500 Participants Needed

Restricted Social Media for Adolescent Mental Health

KK
Overseen ByKostadin Kushlev, PhD
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Georgetown University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Restricted Social Media for adolescent mental health?

Research suggests that limiting social media use during psychiatric hospitalization can help adolescents by reducing exposure to online stressors and inappropriate content, which may aid in their recovery. However, the impact of social media restriction is not fully understood, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.12345

Is restricted social media use safe for adolescents?

Research suggests that restricting social media use during psychiatric hospitalization can help limit exposure to online stressors and protect patient privacy and safety. However, there are potential risks associated with absolute deprivation, and more research is needed to understand the best approach for reintroducing social media to adolescents.13467

How does the treatment 'Restricted Social Media' differ from other treatments for adolescent mental health?

Restricted Social Media is unique because it focuses on limiting social media use to potentially improve adolescent mental health, unlike traditional treatments that may involve medication or therapy sessions. This approach considers the impact of digital interactions on mental health, aiming to reduce exposure to online stressors and harmful content while balancing the need for social connection.12358

What is the purpose of this trial?

The mental health of adolescents in the United States has seen a steep decline since 2011, roughly coinciding with the increasing popularity of social media and smartphones. But does social media have a causal impact on the mental health of adolescents or are concerns about the effect of social media on kids a form of public hysteria? In this study, the investigators will conduct the first field experiment in 11-14-year-olds to examine whether, how, and for whom social media harms mental health.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents aged 11-14 who are getting their first smartphone and can speak and read English well enough to complete surveys. Both parents or guardians must consent, and the adolescent must agree to participate.

Inclusion Criteria

My parents are buying me my first smartphone.
You are an adolescent aged 18 or more years who consents to participate in the study and is proficient in both English reading and speaking.
Both my parents/guardians agree I can join the study.
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Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are divided into two groups: one with unrestricted social media use and another with social media apps blocked for three months

3 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mental health and social media usage patterns

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Restricted Social Media
Trial Overview The study investigates if limiting social media usage affects mental health in adolescents. It's a field experiment where participants' access to social media will be restricted to see how it influences their wellbeing.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Restricted Social MediaExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will have social media apps on their phones blocked for three months.
Group II: Naturalistic Social MediaActive Control1 Intervention
In this control condition, participants will have no study-imposed restrictions on social media use.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Georgetown University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
355
Recruited
142,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials
2,896
Recruited
8,053,000+

References

Titrating Social Media Use During Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization. [2021]
Debate: Social media content moderation may do more harm than good for youth mental health. [2023]
The Differential Impact of Social Media Use on Middle and High School Students: A Retrospective Study. [2020]
Patterns of Social Media Use Among Adolescents Who Are Psychiatrically Hospitalized. [2020]
Social Media Use and Monitoring for Adolescents With Depression and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study of Parent and Child Perspectives. [2022]
Digital media-related precursors to psychiatric hospitalization among youth. [2023]
[Social media and teenagers' mental health]. [2023]
Social media, self-harm and suicide. [2021]
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