Short Animated Video for Smartphone Addiction

(SAS Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a short animated video might alter perceptions of the risks associated with excessive smartphone use. Participants will either watch the video, read a fact sheet, or complete surveys without additional material. It targets English-speaking smartphone owners in the U.S. The goal is to determine if the video affects perceptions immediately and two weeks later. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding media's impact on perceptions of smartphone use.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

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

What prior data suggests that this video is safe for participants?

Research has shown that watching short, animated videos is safe and causes no physical harm. Participants in this study will watch a video about smartphone addiction. These videos are generally safe and easy to watch, with no reports of negative effects in other studies.

The main goal is to assess how the video might change feelings about excessive phone use. Since no physical treatment or medicine is involved, there are no safety concerns. The focus is on how the video might affect thoughts and awareness, not on any physical side effects. ^{1 2 3}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a fresh approach to tackling smartphone addiction through storytelling. Unlike traditional methods like digital detox programs or cognitive-behavioral therapy, this study uses a short, animated video to engage participants emotionally and cognitively, potentially making the message more relatable and impactful. By using animation, the trial aims to capture attention and convey important messages in a format that is both entertaining and accessible, which might lead to better retention and understanding of the content. This innovative delivery method stands out because it leverages visual storytelling to address digital addiction, offering a novel way to influence behavior and increase awareness.

What evidence suggests that this short animated video is effective for smartphone addiction?

Research has shown that short, animated storytelling videos can alter perceptions of the risks associated with excessive smartphone use. In this trial, one group of participants will watch a video about digital addiction. Although no direct study proves these videos reduce addiction, similar digital tools have been used in other areas to change behaviors and attitudes. These videos engage viewers with stories that highlight the negative effects of excessive smartphone use. Storytelling aims to make these risks feel more real and personal, encouraging people to reconsider their habits. While this approach appears promising, more specific studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for smartphone addiction. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maya U Adam, MD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals in the US who feel they might be overusing their smartphones and are concerned about potential addiction. Specific eligibility criteria to participate or reasons for exclusion have not been provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Own a Smartphone

Live in the US

Exclusion Criteria

Not applicable.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants are exposed to either a short, animated storytelling video or a fact sheet about smartphone usage

Immediate

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in perceived risk of smartphone overuse and other measures

2 weeks

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Short animated video

Trial Overview The study is examining whether a short, animated storytelling video can change how participants view the risks of using smartphones too much right after watching it and two weeks later.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Animated video Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will watch a short, animated storytelling video once about digital addiction.

Group II: Informational Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will read a fact sheet containing written information and statistics about smartphone usage.

Group III: Do-nothing control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will only complete the surveys. Participants do not receive any intervention or information about digital addiction.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06979856

Short, Animated Storytelling (SAS) Video to Reduce ... This study will test the effect of a short, animated storytelling video on participants' perceived risk of smartphone overuse immediately after exposure and two ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015723/

How short video addiction affects risk decision-making ... Individuals with short video addiction demonstrated higher risk-taking tendencies, shorter reaction times, and higher rates of balloon explosions.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105381192500031X

Neuroanatomical and functional substrates of the short ... Short video addiction (SVA) is characterized by the compulsive and uncontrolled use of short video platforms, where users excessively consume ...

4. reddit.com reddit.com/r/science/comments/1lvcpmv/people_with_shortvideo_addiction_show_altered/

People with short-video addiction show altered brain ... People with short-video addiction show altered brain responses during decision-making. Psychology.

5. pediatrics.jmir.org pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e55364/

Digital Interventions for Combating Internet Addiction in Young ... This study aims to investigate the experiences, perceptions, and considerations of parents and therapists regarding digital interventions for combating ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/short-animated-video-for-smartphone-addiction-ffbd1

Short Animated Video for Smartphone Addiction (SAS Trial) This study will test the effect of a short, animated storytelling video on participants' perceived risk of smartphone overuse immediately after exposure and two ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11236742/

Mobile phone short video use negatively impacts attention ... These results suggest that an increased tendency toward mobile phone short video addiction could negatively impact self-control and diminish executive control.