Link between social media addiction and compulsive exercise in young adults
Official title: Examining the Relationship Between Social Media Addiction and Compulsive Exercise Behaviors in University Students
Run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07032467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether higher levels of social media addiction are linked to compulsive exercise behaviors in healthy university students aged 18-24.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 187 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07032467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are healthy university students aged 18-24 who use social media at least four hours per day and do not have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Those under 18 or over 24, who use social media less than four hours daily, or who have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional study enrolls healthy university students aged 18-24 who report spending at least four hours per day on social media. Participants complete validated self-report questionnaires measuring social media addiction, exercise habits, and compulsive exercise traits. Analyses will examine associations between levels of digital media engagement and measures of exercise compulsion while controlling for basic demographic factors. Recruitment and assessments occur at Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi in Üsküdar, Istanbul.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a link is confirmed, the findings could help identify students at risk for unhealthy exercise patterns related to excessive social media use and inform preventive programs on campus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has connected heavy social media use to body image concerns and disordered eating, but evidence specifically linking social media addiction to compulsive exercise behaviors remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adult * Between 18-24 years of age * Spending at least 4 hours a day on social media * Voluntarily participating in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Participants must be under 18 and over 24 years of age, * Surf social media for less than 4 hours a day, * Have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
Where it's running
-
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
Istanbul, Üsküdar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esra Pehlivan
- Email: esra.pehlivan@sbu.edu.tr
- Phone: +90216 777 87 77
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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.