Examining how social media ads affect calorie intake in adolescents
Official title: Comparing the Effects of Racial Congruence, "Likes," and Food Images in Social Media Ads on Adolescents' Caloric Intake - Study 3
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT06969651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how different types of social media ads for unhealthy foods affect how much adolescents eat.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06969651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 13-17 who identify as either non-Latino White or Black/African American and use Instagram daily.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not fit the specified racial criteria or who do not use Instagram regularly may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial investigates how visual attention to unhealthy foods, the presence of racially congruent individuals, and the number of 'likes' on social media ads influence calorie consumption among adolescents. Participants will be exposed to various types of food-related advertisements and their subsequent caloric intake will be measured. The study aims to understand the psychological and social factors that drive eating behaviors in a digital context. By focusing on specific demographics, the research seeks to uncover targeted strategies for healthier eating habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective social media marketing strategies that promote healthier eating among adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies examining social media's impact on eating behaviors, this specific focus on racial congruence and social media engagement is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adolescent (13-17 years of age) who identifies as only non-Latino White or only Black/African American; who logs into Instagram once daily; who can read and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * \- participants who do not meet all criteria described above
Where it's running
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marie A. Bragg, PhD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Program Manager
- Email: krystle.tsai@nyulangone.org
- Phone: 6465013880
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Nutrition app test to improve mindful eating and dietary variety in adults
This study tests whether a smartphone app can help adults eat more mindfully and diversify their diet in a low- and middle-income country.
-
How social media ads affect teens' food choices.
This project will test whether racially matched Facebook food ads and visible 'likes' change food purchases and calorie intake among Black and White teens aged 13–17.
-
Effects of TikTok food ads on calorie consumption in youth
This study tests how food ads on TikTok affect what kids aged 10 to 13 choose to buy and eat.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.