Social smoking is referred as a pattern or guide of tobacco use based on the context of use (for example, smoking more in social settings like sporting or music events, nightclubs, bars, and pubs). These social circumstances triggers or act as a social signal to tobacco use. People who smoke mostly or only in social settings, and in the company of others (mainly other smokers), are termed as “social smokers”. They can be called as “socially cued smokers”. They can also be incorporated in a large group of smokers known as “occasional smokers”.

A person who smokes every day is a daily smoker, whereas a person who smokes cigarettes but not every day is an occasional smoker. Social smoking is frequently or regularly recognized with occasional use, but even several daily smokers can smoke more in social circumstances.Social smokers are likely to smoke more when they are in social circumstances than when they are alone. Social smokers do not consider themselves as regular tobacco users or “smokers” and assert that they have not developed any addiction to nicotine. They are pretty confident in their ability to stop smoking. Few smokers tend to smoke more in social settings or gatherings. Social smoking depicts the use of tobacco in social situations which is common amongst young adults and can lead to addiction. As part of the marketing strategy, many tobacco companies have aimed young adults in social settings. Social smokers smoke in a friendly and relaxed social setting, emphasizing on the flavor of the cigarette and making it a cheering or soothing experience. They avoid smoking at workplace and preserve it for social and personal moments.

The good side is if a person is truthful, and is smoking only in social situations and not in daily situations, he can be said to have lower levels of dependency on nicotine. Society is affected by smoking in numerous ways. Smoking pollutes the environment or air, making it dangerous for everyone. Smoke also adversely affects the surrounding non-smoking community. Second hand smoking or passive smoking is significantly accountable in broadening or extending the health hazards to the society. Non-smokers who are in close surrounding of smokers are likely to develop numerous smoking related illnesses. Smoking adds dollars to the cost of health care and also reduces years of one’s life.