Are cigarettes now back in fashion because of TikTok and celebrities?

Charli XCX has made cigarettes a regular prop in her videos, adding to her image as a woman in her “brat” era. 

According to the CSO, just 17% of the Irish population are smokers; however, anecdotally, broadcaster Ciarán Halpin feels there has been an unmistakable increase in interest in the deadly pastime. 

“We spent the last 20 years making smoking uncool,” he told The Claire Byrne Show. 

“Now, TikTok is trying to convince everyone that it's vintage chic.

“I want the world to stop; I need to get off, this might be a step too far for me.” 

A man smoking a cigarette. Picture by: Jes2ufoto / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Halpin continued that only a few years ago, people would be “ashamed” to be seen with a cigarette in your hand.

Now, however, the world has changed and so have attitudes to smoking. 

“The 2020s are now the age of nostalgia,” he argued. 

“Sadly, from my point of view, maybe that's why cigarettes are making a comeback.”

The HSE warns smokers that the practice is linked to an increase chance of cancer, heart attacks, stroke and dementia.

Anyone who wishes to quit, can get free support to quit smoking here.

Main image: A woman smoking. Picture by: Alamy.com