Investigating how tobacco marketing on social media affects teens' perceptions and use of tobacco products.
Official title: Does Tobacco Social Media Marketing Alter Adolescent Risk Perceptions and Use? Longitudinal Data-Adaptive Estimators and Causal Inference to Enhance Understanding
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-10934591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how social media marketing affects teenagers' views and use of tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, to help find better ways to reduce tobacco use among young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA287457-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are active on social media and may be exposed to tobacco marketing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 12 to 20 or who do not engage with social media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of social media marketing on adolescents' understanding and use of tobacco products, particularly electronic nicotine delivery systems. By analyzing longitudinal data, the study aims to uncover how exposure to tobacco marketing influences teens' beliefs and behaviors regarding tobacco use. The methodology includes adaptive estimators and causal inference techniques to provide a clearer picture of these dynamics. The findings could help inform public health strategies and policies aimed at reducing tobacco use among youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health interventions that reduce tobacco use among adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media marketing can significantly influence youth behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrell, Paul Truman — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Harrell, Paul Truman
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.