Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?

Description

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.

Conditions

Mental Health

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Causal Effects of Exposure to Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?

Condition
Mental Health
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Washington

Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 20057

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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.
  • 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.

Ages Eligible for Study

10 Years to 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Georgetown University,

Study Record Dates

2027-12