Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Tobacco Firms Target Young Smokers via Metaverse, Gaming
Imagine tobacco companies are like sneaky advertisers.
They're now using online games, virtual worlds (like the metaverse), and special digital items (NFTs) to try and get young people to smoke and vape.
Since these places aren't as regulated as regular ads, it's easier for them to promote their products.
Experts are worried because this could make smoking seem normal to kids.
A group called Canary is watching these tactics and warning people about the dangers.
Tobacco companies are using metaverse, NFTs, and online games to target young people.
Virtual spaces are becoming a new marketing area, bypassing traditional regulations.
Vape brands sponsor online games to promote smoking and vaping to young users.
Health campaigners worry about the unregulated environment of virtual promotions.
Canary, a Vital Strategies project, monitors tobacco marketing and identifies risks.
- Who
- Tobacco and vape companies are targeting young people.
- What
- Tobacco companies are using the metaverse, NFTs, and online games to market to young people.
- When
- The marketing tactics are currently in use.
- Where
- The metaverse and social media platforms are being utilized.
- Why
- To promote smoking and vaping habits among younger users in largely unregulated environments.
Public Health Advocates
Tobacco Companies
Regulation Concerns
Public Health Advocates
Concerned about the lack of regulations and the normalization of smoking/vaping.
Tobacco Companies
N/A
- Focus
- Marketing in the metaverse
- Companies
- Tobacco and Vape
- Target
- Young audiences
- Techniques
- Digital tokens, game sponsorships
- Organization
- Vital Strategies (Canary project)