Your "No Smoking" Signs Are Only Making It Worse

Here is some stunning news: When smokers see images of cigarettes, they find themselves craving nicotine, even if those images tell them not to indulge.

No smoking signs may be driving more people to light up, a psychological study suggests. Scientists say the messages have an ‘ironic effect’ on smokers that increases their craving for tobacco. Without being aware of it, they react to the signs by thinking of and wanting cigarettes.

That is indeed ironic! Good luck with that parks and beaches ban, New York City.

Photo by West McGowan, from Flickr.