Understanding how technology use affects substance use and mental health in youth.

Clarifying the relations among youth technology use, substance use and mental health.

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-10698049

This study is looking at how using technology affects young people's behavior and mental health, especially since we're seeing more mental health issues even though fewer teens are using substances, and it's designed to help us understand these connections better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-10698049 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationships between youth technology use, substance use, and mental health issues. It aims to clarify how digital technologies influence adolescent behavior and well-being, particularly in the context of rising mental health concerns despite decreasing substance use. By employing a detailed approach that examines specific technology usage patterns and considering various biopsychosocial factors, the study seeks to develop a new model that accurately reflects these interactions. This could provide valuable insights into how technology impacts youth health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who actively use digital technology and may be experiencing mental health challenges or substance use issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not engage with digital technology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for improving mental health and reducing substance use among adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on technology use and mental health, this research aims to provide a novel and comprehensive model that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Hanover, 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.