Many young TikTok users are quitting vaping not for health reasons, but to raise awareness about the impact of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
DR Congo is a major source of cobalt, crucial for lithium-ion batteries in phones, electric vehicles, and e-cigarettes.
The country faces a severe humanitarian crisis, worsened by armed conflicts. TikTok videos are spreading awareness, but experts warn of oversimplification.
While online activism can draw attention, it’s crucial to understand the complexities and avoid overshadowing the voices of those directly affected. Credit to BBC for the original story.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67569996