Social media, food cravings, and ultra-processed food habits in university students
The Relationship Between Social Media Use, Food Craving and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in University Students
This study will test whether seeing ultra-processed food content on social media increases food cravings and consumption among university students aged 18–25 in Ankara.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Atılım University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07103811 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will enroll volunteer university students aged 18–25 who live in Ankara and collect information about their social media use, food cravings, and ultra-processed food intake using questionnaires and self-reported intake measures. Researchers will examine associations between the amount and type of food-related social media exposure and reported craving intensity and frequency of ultra-processed food consumption. The design is cross-sectional and non-interventional, so it can identify links but cannot prove cause and effect. Results are intended to inform nutritional awareness efforts and guide future intervention studies targeting students' eating habits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are volunteer university students aged 18–25 who reside in Ankara, can communicate without difficulty, and do not have a diagnosed psychological disorder.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–25 age range, those who do not live in Ankara or are not university students, and individuals with communication or psychological disorders are unlikely to be eligible or to receive direct benefit, and the study is observational so participants should not expect medical treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help universities and public health groups design targeted education or social-media interventions to reduce cravings and ultra-processed food intake among students.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown links between social media exposure and unhealthy eating behaviors, but most work is observational and causality remains uncertain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * To be between the ages of 18-25 * To reside in Ankara * Being a university student * Volunteering * No communication problems Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age and over 25 years of age * Persons who are not university students * Those who do not reside in Ankara * Those with communication problems * Having any psychological disorder
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Atılım University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sedef Güngör
- Email: sedefglsz@gmail.com
- Phone: +905379561862
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.