Jessica Tyson
20/06/2025 • 5 min read
The vaping industry has found itself at the centre of countless headlines in recent years. From health scares to bans, stories surrounding e-cigarettes often dominate the media landscape. But behind the bold fonts and clickbait titles lies a growing problem: misinformation. Misleading vape headlines are not just frustrating — they're dangerous. For millions of adult vapers who have turned to vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking, inaccurate reporting could mean a step backwards in public health.
At FREESMO, we believe facts should guide the vaping conversation — not fear. This article explores how misleading vape headlines distort the truth, impact public perception, and potentially cost lives.
Mainstream news outlets often use sensationalist headlines to attract clicks. Unfortunately, this has led to a rise in vape-related stories that exaggerate or misrepresent scientific studies. A single flawed or inconclusive report can quickly become a global panic, simply because a headline suggests vaping is equally or more dangerous than smoking.
Take, for example, headlines that claim "Vaping Causes Popcorn Lung" or "E-cigarettes Kill Teenagers." These claims are typically unverified, taken out of context, or based on isolated incidents unrelated to regulated vaping products. The result? Panic among the public and confusion among policymakers.
Such misinformation creates a false equivalence between vaping and smoking — despite Public Health England and other respected bodies confirming that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
This distortion of truth is not accidental. It is often the outcome of selective reporting, where journalists highlight studies with negative conclusions while ignoring more comprehensive or peer-reviewed research showing the benefits of vaping.
Misleading vape headlines do more than just damage reputations — they influence behaviour. When adults who smoke see alarming stories about vaping, they may delay or abandon attempts to switch. Worse, some former smokers might return to cigarettes out of fear, believing the alternative is no better.
This misdirection could cost lives. Tobacco-related diseases remain a leading cause of death globally. Vaping offers a less harmful option for adults, and discouraging its use with misleading coverage undermines harm reduction strategies.
Moreover, policymakers often respond to public pressure. Media-induced moral panic can lead to rushed regulations or outright bans, reducing access to safer alternatives and pushing consumers toward black market products. These black market alternatives are unregulated and may contain harmful substances, further endangering public health.
Countries like the United States have witnessed this effect firsthand. The 2019 EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury) outbreak, widely attributed to illicit THC products, was initially blamed on vaping in general. Despite later clarifications, the early headlines had already instilled widespread fear, leading to misguided policy decisions.
Several groups benefit from misleading vape narratives. Sensationalist media gains clicks and advertising revenue. Anti-vaping campaigners use fear-based messaging to further their cause, often ignoring balanced evidence. Even parts of the pharmaceutical industry — invested in nicotine patches or cessation pills — have a vested interest in vaping being seen as dangerous.
Additionally, tobacco giants with limited vape portfolios may covertly support restrictive narratives to eliminate competition. It's a tangled web of interests where the line between genuine concern and commercial gain becomes increasingly blurred.
This confluence of interests creates an environment where facts struggle to surface. And while media outlets may eventually correct misinformation, the damage is already done by then.
Responsible journalism should aim to inform, not alarm. Accurate vaping coverage requires:
For instance, instead of a headline like “Teen Dies After Using Vape,” a responsible version would read “Teen’s Death Linked to Illicit THC Vapes: Officials Urge Caution.” The nuance matters — especially when shaping public opinion.
Moreover, balanced articles include insights from public health experts, such as those from the Royal College of Physicians, who continue to support vaping as a tool for reducing smoking-related harm.
As a responsible vape retailer, FREESMO doesn’t just sell products — we educate. We provide clear information about ingredients, safety standards, and regulatory compliance. Our Smoke-Free Questionnaire helps guide users to make informed decisions based on their lifestyles and preferences.
We also support industry-wide efforts to challenge misinformation. By working with vaping associations and public health experts, FREESMO aims to keep the conversation honest, factual, and focused on adult harm reduction.
Our blog articles, product descriptions, and customer interactions emphasise accuracy and transparency. We promote responsible vaping while advocating for policies that reflect scientific evidence rather than media sensationalism.
Harm reduction is a well-established public health principle. It recognises that while complete cessation of risky behaviours is ideal, safer alternatives are often necessary stepping stones for long-term success.
Vaping fits perfectly within this model. For smokers unable or unwilling to quit nicotine entirely, switching to e-cigarettes presents a far safer option. Countries like the UK have embraced this approach, integrating vaping into smoking cessation programs with considerable success.
Misleading vape headlines, however, erode the credibility of harm reduction. When media outlets equate vaping with smoking — or worse — they dismantle years of public health advocacy in a single sentence.
Studies have repeatedly shown that vaping exposes users to far fewer harmful substances than smoking. Traditional cigarettes release thousands of toxic chemicals through combustion, including tar and carbon monoxide. Vapes, on the other hand, deliver nicotine without burning tobacco.
According to Public Health England, vaping is “at least 95% less harmful” than smoking. A 2022 study published in the journal Addiction also confirmed that vaping is significantly less toxic and effective in supporting adult smokers to quit.
Despite such findings, headlines often ignore or downplay these facts in favour of controversy. The gap between scientific consensus and media narrative is growing — and that’s a problem.
Social media platforms play a significant role in spreading misleading vape headlines. A single viral post can reach millions, regardless of its accuracy. Algorithms prioritise engagement, not truth — meaning the most outrageous stories often gain the most traction.
This environment fuels echo chambers where fear-based narratives dominate. For example, Facebook groups and TikTok videos frequently recycle old myths about vaping, further confusing the public. While platforms have taken steps to combat misinformation, much work remains to be done.
As consumers, it’s essential to approach social media content critically. Seek out verified sources and question stories that seem too sensational to be true.
For adult smokers seeking a safer alternative, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Every misleading headline potentially deters someone from making a life-changing switch. Fear-driven narratives contribute to stigma, reduce product access, and undermine trust in proven harm reduction tools.
At FREESMO, we frequently hear from customers who are confused or frightened by negative news stories. Our role isn’t just to sell products — it’s to provide reassurance backed by science. We believe in empowering adult vapers with facts, not fear.
As a consumer, you can play an active role in correcting the narrative. Here’s how:
Misleading vape headlines may grab attention, but the price is steep. Every false claim or distorted fact puts lives at risk by deterring adults from safer alternatives and fuelling misguided policies. The media must do better — and so must we.
FREESMO remains committed to factual, pro-vaping advocacy that champions choice, safety, and truth. Because when it comes to public health, the real danger isn't vaping — it’s misinformation.
Let’s work together to shift the conversation. Facts, not fear. Science, not stigma. Your right to choose a safer alternative depends on it.
| Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Pod Vape Kit | Aspire Gotek X Pod Kit |
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| Works with Luxe XR MTL and DTL pods, blending tank-like performance with pod simplicity, and is fully compatible with the GTX coil range. Features AXON chip for smart wattage adjustment, COREX Heating Technology, and SSS Leak-Resistant design. Adjustable airflow, OLED display, and Type-C fast charging for a tailored and user-friendly vaping experience. | The Gotek Prefilled pod option is a great choice for beginner vapers or experienced vapers looking for hassle-free vaping. 2ml of e-liquid, which provides up to 600 puffs; however, it can be refilled multiple times. It is best suited for Nic salts and 50/50 E-liquids.For a cost-effective solution, opt for refillable pods, which allow you to choose your preferred e-liquid flavour and nicotine strength. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
Still undecided on which kit is best for you? FREESMO offers a helpful Smoke-Free Questionnaire to guide you to your ideal vaping match. By answering a few quick questions about your preferences — flavour, nicotine strength, puff count, and more — you’ll receive a personalised recommendation tailored to your vaping goals.
