Smokers are Tricked

Many smokers in the United States believe that some cigarette brands can be less harmful than others. Smokers base this idea on things such as the packaging color, believing that silver, white, and gold brands are less harmful than red and black brands. In the past cigarettes used to carry labels that went along with these colors such as “light” and “mild” but in many countries cigarette manufacturers are no longer allowed to do this because the words were considered misleading.

Other smokers believe slim cigarettes are less harmful and that less harsh tasting ones are safer too. These false beliefs about cigarettes relate to what we discussed in class about cognitive dissonance—smokers need to be consistent in their actions and beliefs to avoid cognitive dissonance. The smokers know that the behavior of smoking is bad for their health, therefore they alter their beliefs and tell themselves things such as “at least I’m smoking the healthier and safer slim cigarettes.”

While cognitive dissonance plays a role in people believing some brands of cigarettes are less harmful, it is also due to the cigarette manufacturers keeping silent and not clarifying that these things are not true. Unfortunately, they probably never will since these misconceptions help sell the product.

Sources:
Smokers Believe ‘Silver’, ‘Gold’, and ‘Slim’ Cigarettes are less Harmful

Cigarette Packaging Still Misleading Consumers Over Health Hazards