Consumer Solidarity: Why Nicotine Users Need Each Other—and How They're Finding One Another
Nicotine users are stigmatized, excluded, and isolated. Online communities—forums, social media groups, advocacy networks—are creating solidarity among a population that has been systematically divided. The solidarity movement is the foundation of consumer power.
The smoker who feels ashamed of their habit doesn't organize. The vaper who's been told their experience isn't valid doesn't advocate. Stigma isolates—and isolation prevents the collective action that could challenge the policies that produce the stigma. **Online communities are breaking the isolation. Forums like r/stopsmoking, advocacy groups like the New Nicotine Alliance, social media networks of vapers sharing their stories—these are creating solidarity among a population that has been systematically divided. Solidarity is the foundation of consumer power.**
