Life Politics of Smokers and Vapers in the Digital Media Age: A Case for Issue Publics

• In Event: Smoking, Stigma, Social Support: High Density Panel in Health Communication

Abstract

This study examines how smoking and ‘vaping’ are being politicized among smokers and e-cigarette users in the age of digital media. We base our argument on heightening pertinence of issue publics in the late modern societies and digital media environment, where life politics become central in contemporary politics. We ask how they view the case of smoking and e-cigarettes, how they politicize and mobilize around the issue by utilizing digital media, and how they construct the meanings of such politicization and build identities around issue engagement. Our preliminary findings suggest that, they define and frame the issues as “values and principles” and are actively constructing their identities around smoking and vaping by emphasizing the civic-nature of issue engagement as well as “scientific” engagement. Findings also suggest significant role of digital media, as well as implications for moving beyond mass-oriented anti-smoking campaigns.

Authors

• Jinha Kim, U of Wisconsin-Madison

• Young Mie Kim, U of Wisconsin-Madison

• David Wise, U of Wisconsin-Madison