Smoking And Adolescents: The Continuing Problem And Its Rate ✓ Solved

Smoking And Adolescents The Continuing Problem The Rate Of Smoking

Smoking and Adolescents—The rate of smoking in the United States has been reduced by approximately one-half since the 1960s. However, the rate of smoking among teenagers increased in the 1980s and 1990s, especially among teenage females. This raised concerns that young women would continue smoking during pregnancy. In addition, it was found that nearly 90% of adults who smoked started before the age of 18, and in many cases at a considerably younger age. In the 1980s and 1990s, cigarette smoking was advertised to teenagers and preteens through campaigns such as Joe Camel.

In recent years, a series of interventions directed at teenagers and tweens was put into effect. These included elimination of cigarette vending machines, penalties for those who sell cigarettes to those under 18, and elimination of most cigarette advertising aimed at those under 18. In addition, the Truth® campaign aimed to convince adolescents, who often see smoking as a sign of independence from their parents, that not smoking is actually a sign of independence from tobacco companies who seek to control their behavior. Evaluation studies concluded that these interventions have worked to reduce adolescent smoking by about one-third. Despite the successes of the early years of the 2000s in lowering the rates of cigarette smoking among adolescents, the rates have now stabilized at over 20%.

Evidence indicates that adolescents who smoke generally do not participate in athletics, more often live in rural areas, and are more often white and less often African American. Males and females smoke about the same amount overall, but white females smoke more and Asian females smoke less than their male counterparts. New drugs taken as pills have recently been shown to increase the rates of success in smoking cessation among adults despite side effects. This is not the situation in adolescents because of increased potential for adverse effects, including suicide. A series of interventions has been suggested for addressing the continuing problem of adolescent smoking.

These include: expulsion from school for cigarette smoking, focus on adolescents in tobacco warning labels, selective use of nicotine gum and patches to help with withdrawal, no smoking rules for sporting events, music concerts, and other adolescent-oriented events, fines for adolescents who falsify their age and purchase cigarettes, higher taxes on tobacco products, rewards to students in schools with the lowest smoking rates in a geographic area, higher auto insurance premiums for adolescents who smoke, application of technology to reduce the quantity of nicotine allowed in tobacco products to reduce the potential for addiction, testing of athletes for nicotine and exclusion from competition if they test positive, and provision of tobacco counseling as part of medical care covered through insurance. The National Academy of Medicine has recommended that the age for purchase of cigarettes be raised from 18 to 21 years.

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Globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide, driven largely by trade, investment, and technology. This phenomenon has created a complex web of economic, political, and cultural exchanges on an unprecedented scale (Held & Koenig-Archibugi, 2005). One of the most significant aspects of globalization is the role information technology (IT) plays in facilitating these interactions. IT has become the backbone of global commerce, enabling real-time communication, efficient transaction processing, and the sharing of information across international borders.

The advent of the internet and digital technologies has transformed the way businesses operate globally. Companies can now reach markets that were previously inaccessible due to geographic limitations. E-commerce platforms allow businesses to sell products directly to consumers around the world, shrinking the marketplace while expanding consumer choice (Shah, 2014). Additionally, IT has enabled the rise of remote work and outsourcing, allowing companies to employ talent from anywhere in the world, often at a lower cost. This phenomenon has not only increased productivity but has also fostered a more interconnected global labor market.

Moreover, information technology has had a profound impact on communication, making it faster and more cost-effective. Social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and video conferencing technologies have bridged distances, allowing individuals and organizations to communicate effortlessly across borders. These tools help facilitate cross-cultural collaborations and enhance the sharing of ideas, which can lead to innovation and economic growth (Castells, 2000).

While globalization has led to many benefits, such as increased access to goods and services, it has also raised concerns about inequality. The digital divide remains a significant challenge, as not all individuals have equal access to information technology (Warschauer, 2003). This inequity can lead to disparities in economic opportunities, educational access, and political participation, particularly in developing countries that may lack robust infrastructure.

Additionally, the increasing reliance on information technology raises questions about data privacy and security. As businesses collect vast amounts of data to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, concerns about how this data is used, shared, and protected become paramount. Cybersecurity threats have grown in tandem with the increase in digital interactions, highlighting the need for robust regulations and protections to safeguard personal and corporate information (Romanosky, 2016).

Furthermore, the cultural implications of globalization facilitated by information technology cannot be overlooked. The rapid exchange of cultural products, ideas, and values can lead to cultural homogenization, where local cultures may become overshadowed by dominant global cultures (Cultural Dimensions Theory). However, globalization can also promote cultural exchange and diversity, exposing consumers to a wider array of cultural experiences. This duality presents a complex landscape where the positive and negative aspects of cultural globalization must be navigated carefully.

In conclusion, globalization is a multi-faceted phenomenon shaped significantly by advancements in information technology. While globalization offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, it also presents challenges that must be addressed. Bridging the digital divide, ensuring data security, and maintaining cultural diversity are critical components for creating an equitable globalized world. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike have a role to play in harnessing the benefits of globalization while mitigating its potential downsides.

References

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