FLAVORED JUUL PODS BANNED FROM STOREFRONTS
https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/juul-electronic-cigarettes-vaping-fda-regulations/
In the Chicago Sun Times article “Juul Halts Sales of Flavors at Stores” journalist Mike Stobbe discusses Juul’s decision to stop selling flavored Juul pods in brick-and-mortar store retailers. Juul decided to make this decision after a legal implication from the FDA who ordered JUUL to come up with a solution for their products to stop reaching underage users. From now on, only Menthol and Tobacco flavored JUUL pods will be sold in stores, compared to Mango, Tutti Frutti, Mint, Creme Brulee, and many other “alluring” flavors that attracted underage youth to the e-cigarette company.
According to the textbook, Game Theory is “concerned with situations in which decision-makers interact with one another, and in which the happiness of each participant with the outcome depends not just on his or her own decisions but on the decisions made by everyone.” Based off the article, the “players” are minors who have a Juul, versus the FDA. Each player can receive a certain payoff based on the strategy they chose, and in this case it’s deciding to buy flavored Juul pods vs. giving up a JUUL and not using it (what the FDA wants for minors). Payoffs for those who decide to smoke the Menthol or Tobacco flavored pods will likely be disgusted by the taste and further develop their nicotine addiction. Payoffs for those who stop juuling because they don’t like the menthol and nicotine flavors If you see all of your friends juuling, then you will be more likely to buy a jug because of network effects. The people around you have the ability to effect and influence the choices you make. This is very dangerous for vulnerable teenage minds.
Due to the fact a dominant strategy is a best response due to the strategies of other player, it is best to stay away from dangerous nicotine products, even if they are “flavored” and seem harmless, it’s extremely damaging to your health. The FDA wants every teen’s dominant strategy to be avoiding e-cigs.