How social media ads affect teens' food choices.
Examining Influence of Social Media Ads on Black and White Adolescents' Food Choices: Master ClinicalTrials.Gov Protocol for Aim 1 (NCT05380505), Aim 2 (NCT06969638) and Aim 3 (NCT06969651).
NA · NYU Langone Health · NCT07249398
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07249398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This master protocol combines three randomized trials to test how racially congruent versus incongruent Facebook food ads and the presence of 'likes' influence adolescents' choices and calorie intake. Aims 1 and 2 are short (about 15-minute) online randomized tasks where Black and White adolescents rate ads and complete a virtual vending-machine food-purchasing task. Aim 3 is an in-person, hour-long lab RCT where participants view ads while investigators monitor eye movements during a food intake session. Interventions include racially congruent ads, racially incongruent ads, and manipulations of 'likes' and food imagery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 13–17-year-olds who identify only as non-Latino White or only as Black/African American, log into Facebook at least once daily, and read and speak English.
Not a fit: Teens outside the 13–17 age range, those of other racial or ethnic backgrounds, infrequent or non-Facebook users, and non-English speakers are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could inform healthier marketing practices and policies to reduce unhealthy purchases and excess calorie intake among adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Prior observational and experimental work indicates social media food advertising can influence youth choices, but randomized trials specifically testing racial congruence and 'likes' are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. be 13-17 years of age; 2. identify as only non-Latino White or only Black/African American; 3. report that they log into Facebook at least once daily; and 4. read and speak English. Exclusion Criteria: * Any criteria not met as listed above will bar an adolescent from participating in the study.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Food Selection, Food Choices, Calorie Consumption