Why do people start smoking in this day and age?

[BMalion]

@Freudian_Slit

Is that really relevant? It seems like every time we have a thread about smoking, at least one smoker will defensively pop up with, “Oh yeah, but other people ____.” Which may be true, but doesn’t really have anything to do with smoking. And if that’s the best argument you can make–that other people do bad stuff, too–it doesn’t really seem like a very good one.

It’s what popped into my mind. In many ways I agree. But who cares if some random guy on the internet smokes or not? Or is a bad driver or not, or a…

You get the point.

[Ostrya]

@BMalion

But who cares if some random guy on the internet smokes or not? Or is a bad driver or not, or a…

I certainly do!
~shakes fist~

[DrDeth]

@BigT

What’s amazing is that the people talking about the benefits of smoking are the people being rational: obviously there must be something in the pro column that gets people to start smoking in the first place. That’s basic psychology: you have to perceive value in something.

It is very relevant in this case, as you are clearly biased in trying to insult rather than help. .

It is *basic *psychology I suppose, but beyond basic is the way the mind works with addictions. The “benefit” is getting your fix. As Doc Qadgop the Mercotan sez "Spell out that while smoking/nicotine use may have short-term pleasurable effects, these effects are not benefits. "

I am not being insulting, I am being frank. Sugarcoating it is not going to help, smokers are addicts. By and large, Qadgop the Mercotan, our resident MD, a expert in addiction, leans towards my approach. It is true I am being a bit more “bombastic” here, but I assume SDMBers are smarter than the average bear, and can take it.

[DrDeth]

@BMalion

It’s what popped into my mind. In many ways I agree. But who cares if some random guy on the internet smokes or not? .

I do. I believe that this is a community, and I want us to be smarter, happier and healthier.

[BMalion]

@DrDeth

I do. I believe that this is a community, and I want us to be smarter, happier and healthier.

I am as smart as I am, not bad overall.

I am as happy as a clam, happier when I am enjoying a cigar.

And, even though I’m 49 years old I have the lungs of a 15 year-old…
… I keep them in a jar in my closet badda-boom.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.