Using artificial intelligence to improve communication about quitting vaping on social media
Official title: Artificial Intelligence for effective communication to promote vaping cessation on social media
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10977574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is using smart technology to create better messages about the dangers of vaping for young people, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, to help them understand the risks and encourage them to quit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $565,181 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285482-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth and young adults who currently use e-cigarettes or are at risk of starting to vape.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are not engaged with social media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness of public health communication regarding the risks of vaping, particularly among youth and young adults. By analyzing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the project seeks to develop targeted messaging that can counteract the promotion of e-cigarettes and encourage cessation. The methodology involves utilizing AI algorithms to assess and optimize communication strategies that resonate with young audiences, ultimately aiming to reduce vaping behaviors. The research will also explore how social media can be better utilized by health authorities to disseminate prevention messages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for reducing vaping among youth, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can influence health behaviors, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Dongmei — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Li, Dongmei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Flavor rules and youth smoking/vaping: what happens when flavors are restricted
A nationwide study will look at how banning or limiting flavored tobacco products affects how often adults and youth smoke or vape.
-
Vaping cessation for teens using Kick-Nic! and a CBT app
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-
Social media groups help teens quit vaping
A teen-focused program on Instagram direct message groups aims to help adolescents stop using e-cigarettes.
-
Parents Helping Parents: A Two-Arm Trial to Help Teens Quit Vaping
A two-arm trial tests a parent-supported approach to help youths aged 15–18 quit vaping.
-
How vaping prevention ads affect teens and young adults
A nationwide project looks at which vaping-prevention video ads work best for teens and young adults and how they might reduce vaping when shown online.
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Motivation-based teen vaping profile to guide quitting help
Aims to understand why adolescents vape and use that knowledge to tailor stopping tools that fit teens.
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.