How social media affects depression and body image in teenagers
Official title: Social Comparison on Social Media, Depressive Symptoms, and Body Dissatisfaction among Adolescents
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11045859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using social media affects teenagers, especially how comparing themselves to others online might make them feel sad or unhappy about their bodies, and it involves tracking their social media use and feelings through a special app.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | September 1, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,859 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH138954-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who actively use social media and may be experiencing symptoms of depression or body dissatisfaction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use social media or are not experiencing any mental health symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of social media on adolescents, particularly focusing on how social comparison can lead to depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction. By using an innovative approach that includes ecological momentary assessment, the study will explore the relationship between social media use and mental health over time. Participants will engage with an Android app designed to track their social media interactions and emotional responses, providing valuable data on how these factors influence each other. The goal is to better understand the dynamics of social media use and its psychological effects on young people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions for adolescents struggling with depression and body image issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown correlations between social media use and mental health issues, but this study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding through innovative methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vogel, Erin Alyssa — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vogel, Erin Alyssa
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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.