Why do people smoke?

Some young people smoke because they believe that smoking is a symbol of adulthood. This is reinforced by advertisements from cigarette companies. The advertisers try to give the impression that maturity, social status, happiness and success are linked with smoking. However, surveys have shown that many young people smoke in order to cover up their weaknesses or shortcomings such as failing in their studies or sports or other activities.
There are young people who start smoking out of curiosity. They want to experience what smoking is all about. Unfortunately, cigarettes contain drugs that are addictive, and so smokers find it difficult to give up smoking.

Young people may like to imitate their parents who smoke. Many young people smoke because they want to be accepted as members of a group of friends who smoke. Their friends' persistent teasing and urging may make them feel that they are not "sporting" enough if they do not smoke. This is called "peer group" pressure.

The reasons given by people who continue to smoke are that smoking is stimulating and that it relieves tension, depression or even boredom. These are actually psychological effects, because smoking cannot provide stimulation and reduce tension at the same time.