Exploring The Influence Of Socialization Agents on Vaping Use Among Adolescents in Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

Background: Adolescent e-cigarette use (vaping) has reached alarming proportions globally and nationally, creating a critical public health and sociocultural challenge under Malaysia's Smoke-Free 2030 agenda. Research Problem: Despite regulatory interventions, including the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), adolescent vaping continues to escalate. Existing Malaysian literature predominantly relies on quantitative prevalence surveys. Consequently, a critical gap remains in understanding the qualitative, sociological mechanisms by which diverse socialization agents drive initiation, sustain use, and normalize vaping subcultures in specific local contexts. This study explored the influence of socialization agents on adolescent vaping behavior and investigated the processes through which vaping becomes culturally normalized among high school youth in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Methodology: An exploratory qualitative research design grounded in social constructivism was deployed. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with four adolescent vape users (aged 13–17) and two commercial vape vendors in the Seremban district. Data triangulation was achieved via direct non-participant field observations and document analysis of legislative frameworks (Act 852). In addressing Research Questions 1 and 5, this study revealed that peer groups operate as the primary microsystem catalyst, exploiting adolescent curiosity, trend-seeking, and stress-coping needs. Simultaneously, macrosystem elements, including aggressive social media marketing, disguised device aesthetics (resembling stationery/USB drives), and non-compliant digital supply channels, weaken microsystem protections (family and school oversight). This multi-level interaction fosters a pervasive 'cultural normalization,' eroding the perceived health risks of nicotine and establishing vaping as a routinized digital lifestyle marker. Theoretical Contribution and Implications: The study extends Ecological Systems Theory by demonstrating how digital macrosystem forces circumvent traditional mesosystem boundaries, thereby neutralizing microsystem safeguards. Practically, it underscores the need for family-centered psychosocial interventions, strict digital supply chain auditing, and targeted school-based counter-messaging.