New research suggests vaping may be more addictive than nicotine gum — especially for young people who’ve never smoked regular cigarettes. The study focused on pod-style vapes, the sleek little devices that have exploded in popularity over the last decade, especially with people under 25

These vapes use nicotine salts, which make the hit smoother and less harsh — and way more appealing to vape newbies. Researchers found that when regular vapers (who’ve never smoked cigarettes) were given either nicotine gum or their usual vape, the vape crushed cravings and boosted satisfaction way more effectively. Translation? It’s more addictive.

That matters — because older studies said vaping was about as addictive as gum, but those focused on people who had already smoked. This new study highlights a growing group of nicotine users whose first — and very sticky — step into addiction is vaping.

(Sure, maybe vaping is more addictive than gum — but hey, it’s also more pretentious!)