July 2010 PMID 20414766

Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance.

Stephen J Heishman, Bethea A Kleykamp, Edward G Singleton

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Mentions

100
Peak: 17 in Nov 2019
across 6 sources since Nov 2019

Extended reach

2,093,617
potential audience

Total likes

42,153

Video views

1,106,186

Mentions per month

Nov 2019 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The reviews consistently emphasize scientific evidence, with phrases like 'proven cognitive enhancer' and references to meta-analyses, supporting a positive view about nicotine's effects. The tone and references to multiple studies suggest strong interest and engagement, reinforcing the perception that the publication could significantly impact understanding of nicotine’s cognitive effects.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the article’s findings, emphasizing scientific consensus on nicotine’s cognitive benefits.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high interest by referencing multiple studies and using assertive language to highlight nicotine’s effects.

EngagementModerate engagement

Many comments cite specific studies and meta-analyses, indicating active engagement with the research data.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions highlight the potential influence of the publication on scientific debates and perceptions of nicotine’s benefits.

Abstract in brief

  • This meta-analysis reviewed 41 studies from 1994 to 2008 and found that nicotine positively affects various human performance areas, such as motor skills, attention, and memory, especially in non-deprived smokers and nonsmokers.
  • The research showed that nicotine improves fine motor skills, alerting and orienting attention, as well as episodic and working memory, with effect sizes indicating a moderate positive impact.
  • The findings suggest that nicotine's enhancement of cognitive functions may play a role in why people start smoking and continue using tobacco, as these effects could reinforce dependence.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Noah Ryan
@NoahRyanCo · X

Mechanism of Action: https://t.co/3oSzYuqHYd Nicotine & Bodyweight: https://t.co/ntTStzBMWP Nicotine & lipolysis: https://t.co/vgQgvoGp19 Nicotine & ADHD: https://t.co/I26w4PHx7D Nicotine & Memory: https://t.co/FL7ErQhLul

Sep 19, 2023 · 42 likes · 2 shares · 126,476 followers View post →
Charles A. Gardner, PhD
@ChaunceyGardner · X

NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alerting attention-accuracy & response time (RT), orienting attention-RT, short-term episodic memory-accuracy, & working memory-RT." #QuitLying https://t.co/pr7G1aMZAN https://t.co/R9oiqQSfWK

Nov 25, 2019 · 24 likes · 17 shares · 13,536 followers View post →
You Don't Know Nicotine
@KnowNicotine · X

Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your brain!" That is generally true, but not in the way they insinuate. #Nicotine on its own (outside smoke) is a proven cognitive enhancer. https://t.co/GPjyR5DVAG https://t.co/1Xzl5u4DzL

Apr 19, 2021 · 19 likes · 7 shares · 11,654 followers View post →
Charles A. Gardner, PhD
@ChaunceyGardner · X

Claim: "Nicotine harms developing brains." #FactCheck: Clinical studies suggest some cognitive improvements as a result of nicotine. https://t.co/ETLWCRdt4V https://t.co/m3N7jIyd3h

Aug 6, 2021 · 14 likes · 5 shares · 13,536 followers View post →
Nicotine Data
@nicotinedata · X

A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. https://t.co/KR4MGy3U9h https://t.co/Rcq4setEvm

Nov 7, 2022 · 12 likes · 8 shares · 130 followers View post →
Dr Colin Mendelsohn
@ColinMendelsohn · X

@RCHMelbourne @DrAntheaRhodes @FrydenbergLexi @ApplePodcasts @spotifypodcasts Agree with @phil_w888 No evidence of cognitive harm in human adolescents. In fact nicotine improves concentration, alertness, memory. Nicotine improves mood (a good thing) Please provide evidence for harmful impacts on ▪️ Behaviour ▪️ Impulse control https://t.co/RtEmoFbczo

Jun 22, 2021 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 6,679 followers View post →

All mentions

Evaluating the Health Impacts of Zyn Products

This video explores the effects of Zyn on health, including potential benefits and risks associated with nicotine use. Drawing on various research studies, it aims to provide insights into how Zyn might influence memory…

Patrick Campbell · Aug 1, 2024 1,065,659 views

The Truth About Cigars and Cognitive Benefits

They told you cigars would fry your brain Yet Churchill puffed through World War II Freud built modern psychology with a stogie in hand JFK signed embargoes with one in his pocket They weren't dying They were thinking…

Pixel Prophet · May 12, 2025 306 views
kourosh
@kourosh15915126 · X

RT @BerryRazi: 3️⃣ Cognitive Boost Tobacco smoke alkaloids bind nicotinic receptors, sharpening focus and boosting working memory in healt…

Jun 25, 2025 · 2 shares · 4,349 followers View post →
Razi Ann Berry
@BerryRazi · X

RT @BerryRazi: 3️⃣ Cognitive Boost Tobacco smoke alkaloids bind nicotinic receptors, sharpening focus and boosting working memory in healt…

Jun 25, 2025 · 2 shares · 135,131 followers View post →
Razi Ann Berry
@BerryRazi · X

3️⃣ Cognitive Boost Tobacco smoke alkaloids bind nicotinic receptors, sharpening focus and boosting working memory in healthy adults (Source: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010;210(4):453-469. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-1848-1) https://t.co/Vo2GNBHwKe

Jun 25, 2025 · 3 likes · 2 shares · 135,131 followers View post →
TJ Bongiorno
@TJ_Bongiorno · X

Sources: • Heishman, S.J. et al. (2010). Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance. Psychopharmacology. • Benowitz, N.L. (2009). Pharmacology of Nicotine. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. • Grunberg, N.E. (1986). Effects of nicotine on nutrient

Jun 16, 2025 · 6 likes · 15,810 followers View post →
Tobias Holgersen
@HolgersenTobias · X

@Galaxriel @adamisfigurin @bayesbugger https://t.co/lYxbg4VXJb

Oct 31, 2024 · 648 followers View post →
m1sfit
@m1sfitx · X

@iiKlemm @wisteria_blade https://t.co/3JsYnlycNN https://t.co/gYRJRZei1f https://t.co/VLwmYeVPKU https://t.co/AMVFovlycA Theres a million more aswell you can simply google 'nicotine increased performance'.

Jun 13, 2024 · 11,548 followers View post →
Johnny
@Doobcox680 · X

RT @NoahRyanCo: Mechanism of Action: https://t.co/3oSzYuqHYd Nicotine & Bodyweight: https://t.co/ntTStzBMWP Nicotine & lipolysis: https:/…

Sep 19, 2023 · 2 shares · 413 followers View post →
Noah Ryan
@NoahRyanCo · X

Mechanism of Action: https://t.co/3oSzYuqHYd Nicotine & Bodyweight: https://t.co/ntTStzBMWP Nicotine & lipolysis: https://t.co/vgQgvoGp19 Nicotine & ADHD: https://t.co/I26w4PHx7D Nicotine & Memory: https://t.co/FL7ErQhLul

Sep 19, 2023 · 42 likes · 2 shares · 126,476 followers View post →
Koh Sato
@DKoh_sat · X

RT @atoscanof4: @RibadaviaManuel @DiarioVapeador La nicotina es un potenciador conocido y eso lo ha demostrado durante décadas la ciencia..…

May 23, 2023 · 1 share · 337 followers View post →
ANTONIO TOSCANO
@atoscanof4 · X

@RibadaviaManuel @DiarioVapeador La nicotina es un potenciador conocido y eso lo ha demostrado durante décadas la ciencia... existen centenas de estudios al respecto... https://t.co/oVrgMDlkis https://t.co/7ORwGCtUHj https://t.co/AQAmN0YPcR https://t.co/7cU9X4Q6jh Y así seguimos y seguimos, mi pregunta, porque

May 22, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 3,853 followers View post →
Diez Cocodrilos
@DiezCocodrilos · X

@_orbitspace @knucklezdragger Not true. In fact, nicotine increases mental capabilities temporarily even in non-smokers. https://t.co/xaSo9RvUvv

Mar 24, 2023 · 219 followers View post →
Argel
@argelgutierrez · X

RT @atoscanof4: @OKCIndianClinic

Mar 14, 2023 · 4 shares · 225 followers View post →
Southernvaper
@Southernvaper1 · X

RT @atoscanof4: @OKCIndianClinic

Mar 13, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,595 followers View post →
Rawg Slinkard
@Rawgster · X

RT @atoscanof4: @OKCIndianClinic

Mar 13, 2023 · 4 shares · 2,732 followers View post →
ANTONIO TOSCANO
@atoscanof4 · X

RT @atoscanof4: @OKCIndianClinic

Mar 13, 2023 · 4 shares · 3,853 followers View post →
ANTONIO TOSCANO
@atoscanof4 · X

@OKCIndianClinic

Mar 13, 2023 · 6 likes · 4 shares · 3,853 followers View post →
JNIiii
@JLCrckppe · X

@z_khxxx @Chambo_afc @98Toks @APresserV2 https://t.co/PN1IXCtrrR Heres a meta analysis from 2010 showing cognitive performance improvements from nicotine

Feb 19, 2023 · 1 like View post →
Natalie_Magnificent
@Nvania · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 6,805 followers View post →
Iván Garay (Kalavera Vapera)
@IvanGarayTHR · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 718 followers View post →
ANTONIO TOSCANO
@atoscanof4 · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 3,853 followers View post →
James King
@Lapsed_Heathen · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 163 followers View post →
Rawg Slinkard
@Rawgster · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 2,732 followers View post →
PantherNoster
@PantherNoster · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 2,868 followers View post →
Jukka Kelovuori
@jkelovuori · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 5,934 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @nicotinedata: A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. h…

Nov 7, 2022 · 8 shares · 6,696 followers View post →
Nicotine Data
@nicotinedata · X

A 2010 NIDA meta-analysis found nicotine, net of withdrawal relief, likely improves motor skill, attention, and memory. https://t.co/KR4MGy3U9h https://t.co/Rcq4setEvm

Nov 7, 2022 · 12 likes · 8 shares · 130 followers View post →
Seu NIKEIAS IS BACK
@nicocorreaa · X

@mahabdalla https://t.co/OjsRhbNWqz

Aug 27, 2021 · 1 like · 702 followers View post →
Rawg Slinkard
@Rawgster · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: Claim: "Nicotine harms developing brains." #FactCheck: Clinical studies suggest some cognitive improvements as a re…

Aug 6, 2021 · 5 shares · 2,732 followers View post →
Lance Churchill
@LanceChurchill · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: Claim: "Nicotine harms developing brains." #FactCheck: Clinical studies suggest some cognitive improvements as a re…

Aug 6, 2021 · 5 shares · 5,949 followers View post →
durand benoit
@benoit_durand · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: Claim: "Nicotine harms developing brains." #FactCheck: Clinical studies suggest some cognitive improvements as a re…

Aug 6, 2021 · 5 shares · 2,079 followers View post →
Charles A. Gardner, PhD
@ChaunceyGardner · X

Claim: "Nicotine harms developing brains." #FactCheck: Clinical studies suggest some cognitive improvements as a result of nicotine. https://t.co/ETLWCRdt4V https://t.co/m3N7jIyd3h

Aug 6, 2021 · 14 likes · 5 shares · 13,536 followers View post →
7tine76.com
@7tine76 · X

Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance https://t.co/ZD7bp6Wu8p

Jul 26, 2021 · 6,226 followers View post →
Skip Murray, DSP, TTS
@imaracingmom · X

RT @KnowNicotine: This reputable study looked at all available research: "The significant effects of nicotine on motor abilities, attentio…

Jul 26, 2021 · 1 share · 6,874 followers View post →
Skip Murray, DSP, TTS
@imaracingmom · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Jul 26, 2021 · 7 shares · 6,874 followers View post →
Fernand Durand
@FernandDurand3 · X

RT @ColinMendelsohn: @RCHMelbourne @DrAntheaRhodes @FrydenbergLexi @ApplePodcasts @spotifypodcasts Agree with @phil_w888 No evidence of co…

Jun 25, 2021 · 3 shares · 178 followers View post →
Rawg Slinkard
@Rawgster · X

RT @ColinMendelsohn: @RCHMelbourne @DrAntheaRhodes @FrydenbergLexi @ApplePodcasts @spotifypodcasts Agree with @phil_w888 No evidence of co…

Jun 22, 2021 · 3 shares · 2,732 followers View post →
Dr Colin Mendelsohn
@ColinMendelsohn · X

@RCHMelbourne @DrAntheaRhodes @FrydenbergLexi @ApplePodcasts @spotifypodcasts Agree with @phil_w888 No evidence of cognitive harm in human adolescents. In fact nicotine improves concentration, alertness, memory. Nicotine improves mood (a good thing) Please provide evidence for harmful impacts on ▪️ Behaviour ▪️ Impulse control https://t.co/RtEmoFbczo

Jun 22, 2021 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 6,679 followers View post →
VITAE
@thebonumvitae · X

Nicotine as a Nootropic Based upon a 2010 study, Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance. https://t.co/xH1moR97cw Here's the abstract:

Jun 7, 2021 · 22 followers View post →
Skip Murray, DSP, TTS
@imaracingmom · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 20, 2021 · 7 shares · 6,874 followers View post →
Anwar
@anwarmoola · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 19, 2021 · 7 shares · 195 followers View post →
Haegi
@Haegi74 · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 19, 2021 · 7 shares · 1,028 followers View post →
Lance Churchill
@LanceChurchill · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 19, 2021 · 7 shares · 5,949 followers View post →
durand benoit
@benoit_durand · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 19, 2021 · 7 shares · 2,079 followers View post →
PantherNoster
@PantherNoster · X

RT @KnowNicotine: Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your bra…

Apr 19, 2021 · 7 shares · 2,868 followers View post →
You Don't Know Nicotine
@KnowNicotine · X

This reputable study looked at all available research: "The significant effects of nicotine on motor abilities, attention, and memory likely represent true performance enhancement because they are not confounded by withdrawal relief." https://t.co/GPjyR5DVAG

Apr 19, 2021 · 4 likes · 1 share · 11,654 followers View post →
You Don't Know Nicotine
@KnowNicotine · X

Questions are always welcome! Many with entrenched pride or funding conflicts of interest say "Nicotine changes your brain!" That is generally true, but not in the way they insinuate. #Nicotine on its own (outside smoke) is a proven cognitive enhancer. https://t.co/GPjyR5DVAG https://t.co/1Xzl5u4DzL

Apr 19, 2021 · 19 likes · 7 shares · 11,654 followers View post →
You Don't Know Nicotine
@KnowNicotine · X

@Kathologist @ReedTimmerAccu Not far-fetched at all. More studies will come out in the next 18 months or so, but right now there are many studies showing #nicotine improves cognition. Here are a couple reviews of the scientific literature: https://t.co/GPjyR5mkJ8 https://t.co/kyuTpomvDd

Apr 11, 2021 · 4 likes · 11,654 followers View post →
Norbert Zillatron
@N_Zillatron · X

RT @jkelovuori: @SeismicPirate @gittewolput @panthernoster @plopnl @ClovisSangrail4 @GoBeepUK @FBaeyens @KnowNicotine Speaking of science..…

Mar 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,580 followers View post →
PantherNoster
@PantherNoster · X

RT @jkelovuori: @SeismicPirate @gittewolput @panthernoster @plopnl @ClovisSangrail4 @GoBeepUK @FBaeyens @KnowNicotine Speaking of science..…

Mar 11, 2021 · 2 shares · 2,868 followers View post →
Jukka Kelovuori
@jkelovuori · X

@SeismicPirate @gittewolput @panthernoster @plopnl @ClovisSangrail4 @GoBeepUK @FBaeyens @KnowNicotine Speaking of science...

Mar 11, 2021 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 5,934 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @NootropicReddit: Nicotine is a proven nootropic: Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance show i…

Oct 18, 2020 · 1 share · 6,696 followers View post →
NootropicReddit
@NootropicReddit · X

Nicotine is a proven nootropic: Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance show improvement in 6 cognitive domains via /r/Nootropics https://t.co/kxklr63Ad6

Oct 18, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 793 followers View post →
さかさくらげ♨
@vobasan23 · X

nicotine and smoking on human performance https://t.co/K98gPF1nFx ニコチンと喫煙は、人間の性能が良くなる。と書いてある。ただし依存する原因の一つ。とも書いてある。 これはデマだろうか。

Jan 14, 2020 · 452 followers View post →
Laurent CAFFAREL
@L_CAFFAREL · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 27, 2019 · 17 shares · 391 followers View post →
Tobacco Harm Reduction, Nigeria.
@THRNigeria · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 909 followers View post →
iUche
@jerrydree · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 719 followers View post →
Jennifer Winstead
@eJuicefairy · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 2,355 followers View post →
Norbert Zillatron
@N_Zillatron · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 3,580 followers View post →
David Atherton
@DaveAtherton20 · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 326,293 followers View post →
Kruno Crazy
@KrunoCrazy · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 1,423 followers View post →
ꀘꍏ꓄ꃅꂦ꒒ꂦꁅꀤꌗ꓄
@Kathologist · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 26, 2019 · 17 shares · 6,504 followers View post →
Eddie Mock
@eddiemock · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 104 followers View post →
Ashish chamel
@chamel_ashish · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 5 followers View post →
vapeindo
@vapeindo · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 483 followers View post →
VapingIT, SPE, EEI
@Vapingit · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 16,746 followers View post →
Marshall Keith
@MarshallKeith2 · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 120 followers View post →
Vape.tt
@vape_tt · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 134 followers View post →
Jukka Kelovuori
@jkelovuori · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 5,934 followers View post →
Andy Morrison
@GMFCfantasy · X

RT @ChaunceyGardner: NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alert…

Nov 25, 2019 · 17 shares · 2,288 followers View post →
Charles A. Gardner, PhD
@ChaunceyGardner · X

NICOTINE Meta-analysis: "We found significant positive effects of nicotine or smoking on 6 domains: fine motor, alerting attention-accuracy & response time (RT), orienting attention-RT, short-term episodic memory-accuracy, & working memory-RT." #QuitLying https://t.co/pr7G1aMZAN https://t.co/R9oiqQSfWK

Nov 25, 2019 · 24 likes · 17 shares · 13,536 followers View post →