Real-time phone program to improve screen-time self-regulation and well-being

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial delivers an ecological momentary intervention that combines behavioral self-monitoring (device screen-time screenshot uploads) with structured, brief reflection prompts delivered on participants' smartphones. Young adults aged 18–25 are randomized to receive the EMI or a comparison condition and complete daily diaries across the trial to capture metacognitive awareness, metacognitive regulation, recreational screen time, stress, and life satisfaction. The design integrates intensive longitudinal data with randomization to identify both overall effects and within-person mechanisms of change. Outcomes will test whether momentary self-monitoring plus reflection yields sustained changes in digital self-regulation and psychological well-being.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 25 years old.
2. Own and regularly use a smartphone.
3. Report an average daily recreational screen time of at least 3 hours on weekdays or 4 hours on weekends, based on self-report (Zablotsky et al., 2025).
4. Be able to access their device's built-in screen time tracking function (or equivalent system-level usage report) and upload screenshots when required.
5. Be willing and able to complete daily surveys throughout the full study period.
6. Indicate motivation to reduce or regulate their recreational screen use.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Outside the age range of 18-25 years.
2. Do not own a smartphone or do not use it regularly.
3. Report average daily recreational screen time below 3 hours on weekdays and below 4 hours on weekends.
4. Are unable to access device-based screen time tracking functions or cannot provide valid screenshots when required.
5. Are unwilling or unable to complete daily surveys across the study period (e.g., anticipated non-compliance, scheduling constraints).
6. Do not express motivation to reduce or regulate their recreational screen use.

Where it's running

• The Hong Kong Polythechnic University
  Hong Kong, Select An Option…, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Shiyun Chen, PhD Candidate
• Email: shiyun.chen@connect.polyu.hk
• Phone: 052-46744938

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.