Smoke signals

A wispy cloud of smoke with light shining through it - Smoke signals: Reddit users concerned by health risks of vaping - Researchers use artificial intelligence to analyze thousands of posts on the popular online forum, gaining valuable insights into how people think about vaping. A new artificial intelligence analysis of thousands of posts from the popular online discussion forum Reddit reveals that vapers are concerned about e-cigarettes' possible impact on everything from their respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems to their mental and sexual health and sleep patterns. They also worry about the possibility of addiction, cancer, and dental problems. "Our goal is to shed light on how the public, in their natural conversations, describe health concerns associated with vaping e-cigarettes," said Alexandra DeLucia , a doctoral candidate in computer science at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering. DeLucia was part of a multi-institution team that conducted The team included colleagues from the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, or CTP. "Our goal is to shed light on how the public, in their natural conversations, describe health concerns associated with vaping e-cigarettes." - Alexandra DeLucia "The FDA CTP's mission is to protect Americans from tobacco-related diseases and death," DeLucia said. "Our hope is that hearing what 'real voices' are saying will significantly enhance understanding of how people think about e-cigarettes." The researchers believe this information has the potential to inform new, more effective public health research and media campaigns by leveraging the voices and experiences of ordinary people who use e-cigarettes.