Graphic posters meant to discourage people from smoking may actually encourage teens to take up the habit, new research reveals.
Convenience stores are a prime ground for tobacco companies to advertise, especially to teens, among whom smoking is still on the rise in the US.
In the new study from the RAND research corporation found that when they displayed one of these posters in their mock convenience store, more teens bought cigarettes.
The behavioral scientists behind the study said they believe it could be a ‘defensive’ reaction from teens against big firms trying to influence their actions.
