Examining how social media ads affect calorie intake in adolescents

Comparing the Effects of Racial Congruence, "Likes," and Food Images in Social Media Ads on Adolescents' Caloric Intake - Study 3

Not applicable Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT06969651

This study is testing how different types of social media ads for unhealthy foods affect how much adolescents eat.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment480 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06969651 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Calorie Consumption
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.