ANALYSIS: Social Media Isn’t Just Big Tobacco in Another Wrapper

My colleague correctly concedes that cigarettes and social media platforms are, factually, different products. But he reduces their differences to superficial imagery of tar and ash, while avoiding the cultural and philosophical implications of the products. This is merely a smoke screen.

Cigarettes are manufactured for a single purpose. There is no right or wrong way to smoke a cigarette, and no harmless way to consume the product. Social media is far more fluid, and has public utility. Addiction is, of course, a going concern for lawmakers and public policy advocates, but in 2026, the town square is virtual—and some ...