An Investigation of Age-Differentiated Conversations About Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on Reddit

•Machine learning and qualitative coding provide context to social media analysis.•Predicted Reddit user age groups allows nuanced comparisons on thematic topics by group.•Opposition flavor restrictions was prominent for both groups.•Emergent themes the group 13–20 years were opposition minimum laws flavored ENDS discussions.•Posts 21–54 commonly mentioned general vaping use behavior. IntroductionThis study analyzes age-differentiated conversations about ENDS.MethodsThis combines 2 methods (1) predict users’ into categories (13–20 [underage] [of legal age]) using a machine algorithm (2) qualitatively code ENDS-related posts within groups. The 25 with highest karma score (number of upvotes minus number downvotes) each keyword search (i.e., query) predicted coded.ResultsOf 9, top 3 that emerged restriction policies, Tobacco 21 use. Opposition policies subcategory but more common in group. likely discuss as well access products. behavior.ConclusionsUsers be underage posted different than users of-legal-age