Investigating how social media affects mental health in early adolescents
Official title: Real-time and randomized tests of social media and mental health interplay in early adolescence
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11193489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $709,556 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH138960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 11 to 15 who actively use social media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 11 to 15 or those who do not use social media may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odgers, Candice — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Odgers, Candice
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
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.