[bjlorenzen]

Could you please source this claim? A quick google search is revealing a lot of contrary evidence.

[haZard_OS]

This summary is a few years old but still relevant :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363846/#__ffn_...

Long before that publication, however, Wright SC (et al) published a paper still referenced today in toxicology textbooks entitled "Nicotine inhibition of apoptosis suggests a role in tumor production" [ FASEB J. 1993; 7:1045-1051 ]

[eagletusk]

Nicotine is considered a nootropic that increases cognitive ability. Perhaps the kids are using it to up regulate their brains?

Studies here: https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/28-proven-health-benefits-ni...

[vkou]

From what I recall of being a kid, kids are using it to get social validation.

Also, because once you get addicted, nicotine withdrawal is bloody awful.

[narag]

I'm always surprised that the main reason people smoke is not cited first.

For all you that haven't done it: smoking causes pleasure. A fast, intense and repeatable pleasure.

[vkou]

As someone who's never smoked, but has stood next to people who have, I would guess it does quite the opposite. I imagine most people who don't smoke think this.

[s73v3r_]

The first times you do it, it feels pretty good. Really good, in fact. However, like any drug, you develop a tolerance and a dependence. Before long, you require it to feel normal, not to feel good.

[narag]

That's not my experience and that's not the experience of any smoker I've known.

I quit smoking years ago and of course I strongly discourage people from smoking, it's very bad for the health, etc.

But spreading disinformation is not the way to fight it.

Edit: BTW, the first times you do it are the worst. While you get used to the smoke.

[chillwaves]

You are saying that people who smoke do not enjoy smoking?