Understanding how social media impacts the teen brain and depression

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 clinical trial aims to explore the effects of social media use on the emotional health of adolescents, particularly focusing on depression. It involves developing and validating a new task called the TeenBrainOnline (TBO) Task, which simulates social media interactions and assesses brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eye-tracking. Participants aged 13-17 with depressive symptoms will complete the TBO and another task called Chatroom Interact (CHAT-I) during fMRI sessions, alongside daily surveys of their social media use and depressive symptoms. The study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the neural correlates of social media's impact on mental health.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between ages 13-17
* Depression screening scores on the MFQ-C in the mild (MFQ = 12-25; N = 20) or moderate-to-severe range (MFQ ≥25; N=30)
* Possess their own smartphone to complete web-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA) using WebDataExpress.
* use social media apps (e.g. Instagram, twitter, reddit, discord, YouTube, etc.) at least 3 times a week, on average, per teen report

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a serious neurological or medical condition, by parent report
* Unable to read or speak English or cognitive impairment preventing ability to complete assessments.
* Hearing impairment preventing ability to hear and understand instructions conveyed via headphones in the MRI scanner
* Possible pregnancy, as determined by participant report
* Presence of probable substance use disorder, as determined by participant report
* Presence of MRI contraindications (e.g., dental braces, history of metallic foreign objects in body such as aneurysm clips or other devices or questionable history of metallic fragments, claustrophobia, or a weight of above 300 lbs)
* Taking medications that affect the central nervous system other than antidepressants (stable dose allowed due to high rates of use among teens with depressive symptoms) or stimulants if required 36 hours before the scan.
* Completion of Chatroom Interact Task or TBO Task in prior studies
* Screening positive on the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, or screening positive on the Youth Inventory-4/ for a potential psychotic disorder or substance use disorder.

Where it's running

• University of Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jennifer S Silk, Ph.D — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Jennifer S Silk, Ph.D
• Email: jss4@pitt.edu
• Phone: 412-624-4428

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Smartphone-supported single-session psychotherapy for postpartum depression

  A single online therapy session plus four weeks of app-based support is being tested to see if it reduces depressive symptoms in postpartum women compared with a waitlist.

  Recruiting University of Sao Paulo · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07925762

• Mindful Smartphone Use: A Mindfulness-Based Program for Teens with Sleep and Mood Challenges

  This study tests Mindwire, a mindfulness-based program, to see if it helps teens with problematic phone use who also have depression or anxiety.

  Recruiting Brown University · Providence, Rhode Island · NCT07892807

• Tele-based wellbeing centres for women's mental health in Bangladesh

  A randomized trial tests whether tele-counselling for depression and anxiety in Bangladeshi women is as effective as in-person counselling.

  Recruiting at 2 sites International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh · Chāndpur, Matlab Dakshin and 1 other locations · NCT07890896

• Remote monitoring for adults with depression using ThIA Suivi

  This study tests whether adding the ThIA Suivi remote monitoring tool to usual psychiatric care helps adults with depression feel more improved after 3 months compared with standard care alone.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 1 ThIA Santé Mentale · Bron and 2 other locations · NCT07878754

• HBOT to see if it helps cognition and well‑being in first responders with prior brain injury

  This study tests whether 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can improve thinking skills and post-concussion symptoms in current or former first responders with a history of brain injury.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness · Boise, Idaho · NCT07852728

• Focused ultrasound for mood and anxiety disorders

  This study tests whether repeated low-intensity focused ultrasound using the ATTN201 device can help people with subsyndromal to moderate depression, anxiety, or OCD.

  Recruiting Attune Neurosciences Inc · San Francisco, California and 1 other locations · NCT07851038

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.