How social media affects teen mental health
Official title: Causal Effects of Exposure to Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11418042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will study whether letting 10–14 year-olds use social media normally or with no access for three months changes anxiety and depression symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $269,173 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135467-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are 10–14-year-olds starting smartphone use with parental consent.
✕Less likely to help
Participants who continue unrestricted social media use may experience typical effects observed in general populations; benefits may be limited for them.
What this research studies
We will enroll 500 adolescents aged 10–14 who just got their first smartphone. They will be randomly assigned to either use social media as usual or to have no social media use for three months. The study tracks mental health symptoms over time and examines potential mechanisms behind any changes. Results will help parents, clinicians, and schools understand how social media exposure may affect teen well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide safer smartphone and social media use recommendations to protect adolescent mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Past observational studies show associations; this trial provides a causal test of social media effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushlev, Kostadin — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Kushlev, Kostadin
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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.