Targeting teens’ social media use and real-time chats to improve well-being
Official title: Project SOCIAL (Step Out, Connect In-person, Abandon Likes): Targeting Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Real-time Conversations to Improve Well-being
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11443541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A teen-focused program tests whether reducing social media, boosting real-time conversations, or journaling can improve well-being in 10th graders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $344,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH145231-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are 10th grade students (around 15–16 years old) who own a smartphone and have consent from parents/guardians.
✕Less likely to help
Teens who are not willing to reduce screen time, engage in conversations, or complete daily surveys may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project invites 10th graders to participate in a 3-week study where they first establish baseline social patterns, then are randomly assigned to one of four conditions: reduce social media to under 1 hour per day, have one 10-minute deep conversation daily, keep an expressive writing journal, or be a passive control. Participants complete brief daily reports and phone-based tracking, plus longer surveys before and after the intervention weeks. The study aims to see which approach most improves mood, anxiety, and social connectedness during a pivotal period of adolescence. Results could guide simple, real-life strategies for teens and their families to support emotional health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, teens may experience better mood and reduced anxiety through practical changes in social media use and real-time social interaction.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with older youth and adults suggests social behavior changes can improve well-being, but youth-focused experimental data are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gentzler, Amy L — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Gentzler, Amy L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthy work design and worker well-being
A multi-site program aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by studying how work design affects safety, stress, and quality of life.
-
Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being
A community-focused program from Columbia University aims to strengthen mental health and resilience in East Africa and other at-risk communities by partnering with local centers and using evidence-based approaches.
-
Anga Center for Community Health and Well-being: building resilience to extreme weather in Africa and beyond
A program to help communities cope with the mental health effects of extreme weather by partnering with African regions and local centers to develop practical, evidence-based support.
-
Air Pollution and Well-Being in Uganda: Understanding Risks and How to Protect Children and Adults
A short study will explore how biomass smoke affects health and daily life in Uganda and test practical tips to reduce exposure.
-
Air Pollution and Well-Being in Uganda: Reducing Biomass Smoke Risks and Improving Education
A short project in Uganda will look at how biomass smoke affects health and whether simple education can help families reduce exposure and protect children and adults.
-
Fostering Community Connections to Strengthen Youth Resilience and Well-Being
A Hawaii-based effort helps teens and young adults get mental health and preventive care more easily by building local networks and smart referral pathways.
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.