Understanding how digital media affects teen substance use

Use of Digital Phenotyping to Understand Digital Media Influence on Adolescent Substance Use

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11086626

This study looks at how seeing drug and alcohol content on social media affects teens' choices about using substances, using smartphone data to track what they watch and how it relates to their behavior.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11086626 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to drug and alcohol-related content on digital media influences substance use among adolescents. By utilizing digital phenotyping, the study will collect data from smartphones to track media exposure and substance use behaviors in real-time. This approach aims to provide a clearer picture of how different media platforms impact teens' decisions regarding drugs and alcohol, addressing the complexities of adolescent substance use in today's digital age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents under 18 years old who engage with digital media and may be at risk for substance use.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 18 years old or do not use digital media may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing substance use among adolescents by understanding the role of digital media.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that digital media can influence adolescent behavior, but this specific approach using digital phenotyping is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.