Using social media to identify and screen for risky drinking in young adults
A novel social media approach to #identification and #screening for hazardous drinking among diverse non-college young adults
This study is looking for new ways to spot young adults who might be drinking too much, especially those who aren't in college, by checking social media posts for certain words about drinking; the aim is to create a helpful system that can connect with a wide range of young people, particularly from different backgrounds, to offer support when needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10685492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop innovative methods for identifying and screening young adults who may be engaging in hazardous drinking behaviors, particularly those who are not attending college. By analyzing public posts on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, the study seeks to find specific keywords that indicate risky alcohol consumption. The goal is to create an automated system that can effectively reach and engage diverse young adults, especially those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, to provide necessary interventions. The research will also explore how to make this screening approach acceptable and effective for the target population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are non-college young adults who may be engaging in hazardous drinking behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who are not active users of social media or who do not engage in alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and support for young adults at risk of alcohol-related harms.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of social media for screening is a novel approach, similar strategies in other health areas have shown promise in reaching underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merrill, Jennifer Elizabeth — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Merrill, Jennifer Elizabeth
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 below.