Digital design features of ‘smart vapes’ and nicotine dependence among youth and young adults in the USA

Background ‘Smart vapes’ are e-cigarettes with digital screens that provide device use information and enable autonomous computing and data exchange. This study measures the association between use of e-cigarettes with smart vape features and nicotine dependence among young people. Methods Data came from a convenience sample survey (N=4719) of respondents aged 15–25 who reported current (past 30-day) e-cigarette use (July–September 2024). Multivariable regression models assessed whether current use of devices containing specific smart vape features was associated with frequency of e-cigarette use and Nicotine Dependence Scale (NDS) scores, adjusting for demographics, financial situation, other tobacco use and downloading a smart vape app. Results Over half (59.1%) reported current smart vape use. Use of devices with specific features was associated with higher odds of more frequent e-cigarette use, compared with use of e-cigarettes without these features: notifications (low battery OR: 1.83, p<0.001; fully charged OR: 1.51, p<0.001; low e-liquid level OR: 1.67, p<0.001); status indicators (battery level OR: 2.76, p<0.001; e-liquid level OR: 3.12, p<0.001; puff count OR: 1.85, p<0.001); and customisation options (nicotine level OR: 2.19, p<0.001; flavour level OR: 1.79, p<0.001; and coil temperature controls OR: 1.33, p=0.003). Positive associations were similarly observed for the aforementioned features and NDS scores, with the exception of no significant relationship for e-liquid level indicator (β=0.03, p=0.481) and coil temperature controls (β=0.03, p=0.590) and with the addition of use of a device with proximity notifications (β=0.26, p<0.001) and video games (β=0.14, p=0.014). Conclusions Youth and young adults who use devices with smart vape features are more likely to report frequent e-cigarette use and higher nicotine dependence. These findings inform regulatory restrictions of smart vape designs.