Exploring how social media use affects binge-eating disorder in adolescents

Investigating relationships between problematic social media use and binge-eating disorder to inform precision guidance for adolescents

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10928216

This study looks at how using social media a lot might be linked to binge-eating in teens, especially considering things like feeling sad, anxious, or being bullied online, and it hopes to offer helpful advice for teens, their parents, and doctors to prevent these eating issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928216 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connections between problematic social media use and binge-eating disorder among adolescents. It aims to understand how factors like depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying may influence eating behaviors. By analyzing mobile phone usage patterns and their relationship with binge-eating, the study seeks to provide tailored guidance for adolescents, parents, and healthcare providers. The goal is to identify critical periods and mechanisms that could help prevent binge-eating disorder.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing issues related to binge-eating disorder or problematic social media use.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not engage with social media may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized recommendations for social media use that help reduce the risk of binge-eating disorder in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential links between social media use and eating disorders, but this study aims to explore these relationships in a more detailed and prospective manner.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.