NCT06049888NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers
Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?
Georgetown University
Start Date
9/29/2024
Completion Date
6/1/2028
Summary
The mental health of adolescents in the United States has seen a steep decline, 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 10-14-year-olds to examine whether, how, and for whom social media harms mental health.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 10 years to 14 years
Inclusion Criteria:
1. is an adolescent who is between the ages of 10 and 14;
2. is an adolescent whose parents have decided to buy them their first smartphone;
3. is an adolescent both of whose parents/guardians consent for them to be in the study;
4. is an adolescent who assents to be in the study; 5) is an adolescent who speaks and reads English sufficiently to complete surveys and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. is an adolescent who has severe developmental problems (e.g., autism, severe language delay);
2. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever been diagnosed with severe or moderately severe mental illness;
3. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever experienced suicidal ideation.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Restricted Social Media
Conditions
Mental Health
Locations
Georgetown University
Washington D.C., District of Columbia 20057
United States