Understanding how smartphone and social media habits develop in youth

Origins and Outcomes of Smartphone and Social Media Habits Across Development

NIH-funded research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10895978

This study is looking at how kids and teens develop their smartphone and social media habits and how these habits might affect their feelings and mental health as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10895978 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the psychological factors that influence the development of smartphone and social media habits in children and adolescents. By using various methods such as behavior assessments, neuroimaging, self-reports, and ecological momentary assessments, the study aims to understand how these habits form and their effects on mental and emotional well-being. The research will involve children, adolescents, and young adults to explore whether the relationships between psychological traits and media habits change with age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-21 who are active users of smartphones and social media.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use smartphones or social media may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that help improve the mental health and development of youth by informing better guidelines for smartphone and social media use.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging literature on the effects of digital media on youth, this research aims to fill significant gaps and is considered a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.