Nicotine is totally addictive but not harmful other than appetite suppression.

Nicotine provides a physical stimulate + a neurological stimulate: it makes you more contemplative.

I use gum if I have to sit in a meeting or be in public for multiple hours.

I vape everyday but I use vape liquid without any flavor additives- just vg/pg + nicotine.

Vaping risks are as follows:
Dirty coils
Expired juice
Artificially flavored juice

Vaping also provides a rush of effects that are often difficult for users to handle:
Higher/inconsistent doses
Irritability
Inflammatory to sinuses

Chewing nicotine gum means more nicotine ends up in the stomach- which makes the appetite suppression worse.

Like any drug, it is important to understand all the factors as a user.