The tobacco industry loves to show smoking as a very sociable activity, with everyone laughing and having a good time. But tobacco companies get the last laugh. They know how much it means to be accepted socially, so they spend millions to show tobacco as the fast track to making friends. Smoking in order to get attention, overcome shyness, or join in with the crowd has severe side effects—cancer and clogged arteries to name a few. There are far healthier ways to make friends.

A memo discussing the marketing of Camel Cigarettes stated "target smokers that by selecting Camel as their usual brand they will project an image that will enhance their acceptance among their peers."

The tobacco industry spends almost $60 million dollars each year promoting tobacco products in Maine.