Economic incentives and digital tools in the system of preventing nicotine addiction among adolescents

Abstract

Despite its promise, economic incentives face challenges regarding attempts by adolescents to falsify data about non-use of nicotine to obtain funds, as well as questions about the sustainability of the effect after payments cease. Research shows that the most stable results are achieved by combined programs, where financial incentives are used only at the first stage to overcome withdrawal syndrome, while subsequent motivation is maintained through the development of social competence and community support in apps like QuitNow! or Smoke Free. Economic incentives combined with available digital tools will allow the shift of the fight against tobacco smoking from the plane of prohibitions to the plane of rational choice and positive self-affirmation as a real alternative to traditional methods, capable of significantly reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases in the future.