Social Media Warning Labels for Teens and Young Adults

Overseen By Amanda Study Team, MPH

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Age, Location, Language, Internet access

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effectiveness of warning labels on social media for teens and young adults. It compares messages created by humans to those refined with artificial intelligence (AI) in conveying the intended message. Participants will view various types of warnings and provide feedback on their effectiveness. Ideal candidates for this trial are U.S. residents aged 13 to 29 who can read English and have internet access. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the impact of digital communication on youth.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these social media warning labels are safe for teens and young adults?

Research has shown that social media warning labels are a new area of study, with limited information on their safety. However, the absence of specific trial phases indicates no physical health risks. The study involves only reading messages, ensuring safety without medical procedures.

The goal is to determine if these warnings can alter young people's perceptions of social media risks. Existing studies on warning labels have not reported negative side effects, suggesting the process is well-tolerated. It involves viewing messages rather than taking medication or undergoing medical treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a novel approach to addressing the impact of social media on teens and young adults. Unlike existing strategies that focus on usage limits or parental controls, this trial uses warning labels as a tool to raise awareness about potential risks. The unique aspect is the combination of messages developed by both human experts and artificial intelligence, which could provide insights into the most effective way to communicate warnings. This trial could pave the way for new methods of promoting healthier social media habits among young people.

What evidence suggests that social media warning labels are effective for teens and young adults?

Research shows that warning labels on social media can influence how teens and young adults perceive the risks of using these platforms. Studies have found that warnings are often more effective than having none. This trial will test various warning labels, including those developed by human experts and artificial intelligence, to assess their impact on awareness of possible negative effects, such as mental health issues or overuse. Health experts advise that social media can affect mental health, and clear warnings might help reduce these risks. Although direct data on the effectiveness of these specific warning labels is limited, the goal is to promote responsible use by highlighting potential dangers. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anna H. Grummon, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for teens and young adults who experience digital eye strain. It aims to understand how different types of social media warning labels might affect them. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, suggesting a broad participant base.

Inclusion Criteria

Reside in the United States

Able to complete a survey in English

Access to the internet

Exclusion Criteria

I am either under 13 or over 29 years old.

Reside outside of the United States

Unable to complete a survey in English

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a within-subjects online randomized experiment viewing and rating messages on social media risks

1 day

Online participation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for their responses to the messages and any changes in perception

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Media Warning Labels

Trial Overview The study tests various social media warning labels about negative body image, depression, addiction, sleep issues, and unproven safety. Some warnings were developed by humans while others by AI. The goal is to see which warnings work best.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Warning labels Experimental Treatment 15 Interventions

Participants view 15 messages in random order: 6 warning messages about social media developed by a team of human experts (1 each about 6 different topics), 6 warning messages about social media developed by artificial intelligence (1 each about the same 6 topics as the human-developed messages), an additional 1 warning message that mirrors the language proposed by the state of California, 1 voluntary warning message developed by human experts, and 1 control message.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07199660

Reactions to Social Media Warning Labels Among Teens ... The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether social media warnings are perceived as more effective than control labels among teens and young ...

2. hhs.gov hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html

Social Media and Youth Mental Health This Advisory describes the current evidence on the impacts of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11554337/

Social Media Use in Adolescents: Bans, Benefits, and ... Adolescents experience several benefits from social media, including increased social connection, reduced loneliness, and a safe space for marginalized groups.

4. who.int who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health

Teens, screens and mental health More than 1 in 10 adolescents (11%) showed signs of problematic social media behaviour, struggling to control their use and experiencing ...

5. apa.org apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media

Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology ... New psychological research exposes the harms and positive outcomes of social media. APA's recommendations aim to add science-backed balance to the discussion.

6. nytimes.com nytimes.com/2024/06/17/opinion/social-media-health-warning.html

Opinion | Surgeon General: Social Media Platforms Need a ... It is time to require a surgeon general's warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms ...

7. ajpmonline.org ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(25)00535-5/fulltext

Public Support for Warning Label Policies on Social Media ... The study goal was to assess U.S. adults' public opinions about health warning label policies on social media in general and for commercial ...