How passive social media use affects mental health in adolescents
Official title: Passive social media use, coping, and momentary stress in geospatial context: longitudinal effects on mental health and intermediate biological pathways in a racially diverse sample of adolescents
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10929497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how just scrolling through social media affects the mental health of teens aged 13-17, by checking in with them throughout the day to see how they feel and what they're doing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $536,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-17, particularly those who actively use social media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use social media or are outside the age range of 13-17 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of passive social media use (pSMU) on the mental health of adolescents aged 13-17. By using ecological momentary assessment and GPS tracking, the study will measure how often adolescents engage in pSMU and how it relates to their stress levels and mental health outcomes. Participants will receive prompts throughout their day to report their feelings and experiences, allowing researchers to gather real-time data on their emotional responses and environmental stressors. The study aims to identify patterns and factors that contribute to mental health challenges in a diverse group of youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how social media use affects adolescent mental health, leading to better coping strategies and interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between social media use and mental health issues, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Way, Baldwin M — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Way, Baldwin M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.