Investigating how social media affects mental health in early adolescents
Real-time and randomized tests of social media and mental health interplay in early adolescence
This study is looking at how using social media affects the mental health of kids aged 11 to 15, and it will follow a group of them over four years to see if changing their social media habits can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between social media use and mental health in adolescents aged 11 to 15. By using innovative methods such as ecological momentary assessment and wearable technologies, the study will track mental health symptoms and social media engagement over four years. A large group of young adolescents will be monitored to determine if changing social media exposure can improve mental health outcomes. The research aims to provide insights into how social media restrictions or support can influence anxiety and depression symptoms in real-time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 11 to 15 who actively use social media.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 11 to 15 or those who do not use social media may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for improving mental health in adolescents by understanding the impact of social media.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a complex relationship between social media use and mental health, but this approach is novel in its real-time and experimental testing.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odgers, Candice — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Odgers, Candice
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 below.