The most common situation for first trying a cigarette is with a friend who already smokes. Young people are sensitive to perceived signals that smoking is the norm. These signals include visible public smoking, the availability of cigarettes to minors and the widespread promotion and advertising of tobacco products. Studies show that the vast majority of new consumers will come from the ranks of young people. Intentionally or not, then, successful tobacco marketing influences adolescents.
Print media remain an important source of tobacco advertising.
After automobiles, cigarettes are the most heavily advertised retail product. Especially in inner-city neighbourhoods, young people may be repeatedly exposed to outdoor billboards portraying apparent benefits of tobacco use. Increasingly, tobacco companies market their products through promotional activities that reach youth. Misleading Images in Tobacco Advertising Ads for tobacco products have become short on words and facts - and long on visual images that suggest positive associations. These attractive pictures suggest that smoking is a powerful tool for improving self-image.