Using social media and digital tools to help reduce vaping among teens and young adults

Testing the feasibility and acceptability of social media and digital therapeutics to decrease vaping behaviors

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10876443

This study is looking at how social media and a helpful chatbot can support young people in quitting vaping by raising awareness about its risks and changing their attitudes towards it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876443 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how social media and digital therapeutics can be utilized to decrease vaping behaviors in adolescents and young adults. It employs advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing to analyze social media content related to vaping, identifying individuals at risk. The project includes the development of a chatbot that screens users for their needs and provides a digital intervention system designed to support vaping cessation by raising awareness of risks and changing pro-vaping attitudes. The goal is to create a supportive environment for young people seeking to quit vaping.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who currently use vaping products and are seeking support to quit.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use vaping products or are not interested in quitting may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective digital tools and resources to help young people quit vaping and improve their overall health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using digital interventions and social media for health behavior change, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.