Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Social media is a key platform for e-cigarette information, influencing user perceptions and uptake.
• Existing knowledge gaps regarding public sentiment on e-cigarettes online necessitate further investigation.
• Understanding social media's role is crucial due to its impact on smoking behaviors and perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies on e-cigarette perceptions and sentiments expressed on social media and online forums.
• To analyze user perceptions of e-cigarettes as presented in online discussions.
• To identify methodological limitations and research gaps in existing studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic searches of major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, CMC) were conducted.
• Keywords included "electronic cigarette" and "social media" or "internet use" from 2007-2017.
• Studies analyzing perceptions and sentiments on online platforms were selected.

Main Results:

• 21 articles were included, identifying 20 distinct social media and online forum platforms.
• Common themes included health effects, user experiences, risks, benefits, regulations, and smoking cessation aid perceptions.
• Analysis revealed a snapshot of sentiments, personal experiences, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes.

Conclusions:

• Mixed perceptions of e-cigarettes exist on social media, with a prevalence of positive sentiments.
• Findings enhance understanding of current e-cigarette popularity and user attitudes online.
• Disseminating accurate information on e-cigarette benefits and risks via social media is recommended; future research should explore social media interventions.