Gen Z Swaps Cigarettes for ‘Fridge Cigarette’: A Cold Diet Coke Break Trend

Today, Gen Z has discovered a new trend to relax, and cigarettes or nicotine are not part of it. The trend is called fridge cigarette. Here, individuals open the fridge and remove a cold Diet Coke (or any cold beverage, fizzy drink), open the can, and consume it with satisfaction, just like the older generation used to take a break by smoking cigarettes. The only thing is that there is no smoke here, no guilt. Just a cold bubbly drink and a quick reset of the mind.

Neha Kadbams, Kadbams Hospitals Senior Psychologist, states that this is also an emotional coping mechanism, i.e., a method of stress management. When individuals are tired, exhausted, or stressed, they latch onto such minute habits for instant relief. Having a cold drink gives them a sense of happiness, control, and diversion for some minutes.

The issue comes when this behavior keeps getting repeated over and over again, and also turns into our primary behavior to manage stress. If consumption of Diet Coke turns into the sole solution rather than good habits such as sleep, talk, exercise, or relaxation, then the issue can escalate.

Why do such small rituals feel good?

Such habits give relief because they are easy, quick, and repeatable. Just like earlier people used to give a break to the brain by taking a smoke break, similarly, now this 'fridge cigarette' gives people relief for a while. But if such rituals become only emotional support, then dependency can increase, and healthy coping skills are left behind.

Effects of Diet soda on health:

• On mental health: By repeatedly drinking a drink with artificial sweeteners, the brain will start feeling relaxed only on it. This can increase emotional dependency, and irritability can also occur if the drink is not available.
• On physical health: Research shows that even though diet soda is sugar-free, its sweeteners can affect metabolism, appetite, and gut health. Drinking too much can also increase the craving for sweets.