| dc.description.abstract | This research aims to describe the meaning of smoking among teenage boarders at SMA Negeri 1 Raya, Raya District, Simalungun Regency. Smoking is a behavior that can be observed anywhere. Typically, smokers start during their teenage years. Teenagers often begin smoking due to peer pressure, and it becomes a habitual behavior over time. Particularly for teenage boarders at SMA Negeri 1 Raya, who no longer live with their parents, they feel more freedom to smoke. Sociologically, the smoking behavior of these boarders is influenced not only by addiction to substances like nicotine but also by social networks among smokers, especially their peers in boarding school. The research methodology employed is qualitative research with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through interviews with eight key informants and one additional informant. Data presentation follows Herbert Blumer's Symbolic Interactionism theory to examine how teenage students interpret their smoking behavior influenced by their peers. Teenagers living in boarding environments in Raya District exhibit unique interaction patterns, with strong solidarity leading them to adopt behaviors practiced by their peers, including smoking. They feel more accepted and valued when they smoke. Smoking also provides them with a sense of relaxation and freedom when socializing. Apart from social networks, advertising also influences teenage perspectives on smoking. Cigarette ads portraying luxury and masculinity create an exaggerated reality, leading teenagers to view smoking as a symbol of maturity and coolness, which attracts and sustains their smoking behavior. | en_US |
