biostudies-literatureUnknown25Szafran D<h4>Background</h4>While e-cigarettes usually contain nicotine, their addictive potential is not yet fully understood. We hypothesized that if e-cigarettes are addictive, users will experience typical symptoms of addiction.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of our study was to investigate whether and how e-cigarette users report signs of addiction.<h4>Methods</h4>We identified 3 large German-language e-cigarette online forums via a systematic Google search. Based on a netnographic approach, we used deductive content analysis to investigate relevant posts in these forums. Netnography has the advantage of limiting the social desirability bias that prevails in face-to-face research, such as focus groups. The data were coded according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th EdJournal of medical Internet researche41669https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9862333biostudies-literatureAddictive Potential of e-Cigarettes as Reported in e-Cigarette Online Forums: Netnographic Analysis of Subjective Experiences.PMC9862333Gorig TSchneider SGrundinger NSzafran DMons UVollstadt-Klein SLohner VAndreas MfalseAddictive Potential of e-Cigarettes as Reported in e-Cigarette Online Forums: Netnographic Analysis of Subjective Experiences.<h4>Background</h4>While e-cigarettes usually contain nicotine, their addictive potential is not yet fully understood. We hypothesized that if e-cigarettes are addictive, users will experience typical symptoms of addiction.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of our study was to investigate whether and how e-cigarette users report signs of addiction.<h4>Methods</h4>We identified 3 large German-language e-cigarette online forums via a systematic Google search. Based on a netnographic approach, we used deductive content analysis to investigate relevant posts in these forums. Netnography has the advantage of limiting the social desirability bias that prevails in face-to-face research, such as focus groups. The data were coded according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Jan2025-04-04T11:33:19.687Z2025-04-04T11:33:19.687ZS-EPMC98623333660771310.2196/41669