Social Media's Impact on Teen Depression

Teen Brain Online II: Understanding How Social Media Affects the Teen Brain

Recruiting N/A Interventional Study
Depression
No Placebo Group Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo.
Ready to participate?

Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.

At a Glance
Age
13 – 17
Sex
Any
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Basic Science
Participants needed
60 (estimated)
Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh · Other
Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for teens aged 13 to 17 who experience depressive symptoms. Participants will complete tasks while their brain activity is recorded using an MRI scanner, along with surveys about their social media use.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Rules you out Probable substance use disorder

You may be able to join if

  • I am between the ages of 13 and 17
  • I have mild to moderate-severe depressive symptoms
  • I use social media apps at least 3 times a week
  • I have my own smartphone

You may not be able to join if

  • I have a serious neurological or medical condition
  • I am unable to read or speak English
  • I have hearing issues that prevent me from understanding instructions
  • I could be pregnant
  • I have a probable substance use disorder
  • I have MRI restrictions like dental braces or claustrophobia
  • I am taking certain medications affecting my brain other than antidepressants
  • I have participated in similar tasks in other studies

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

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Answer three quick questions written from this study's own rules to see if you may qualify. No account needed to find out.

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About This Trial
There has been much interest in the potential role of social media (SM) use in driving a current mental health crisis among teens, with a dire need for evidence that goes beyond self-report. One important avenue is to understand the role of the brain in driving the effects of SM use on emotional health and vice versa. However, there is almost no research addressing these questions, largely due to …
Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between ages 13-17 * Depression screening scores on the MFQ-C in the mild (MFQ = 12-25; N = 20) or moderate-to-severe range (MFQ ≥25; N=30) * Possess their own smartphone to complete web-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA) using WebDataExpress. * use social media apps…
Contacts

Jennifer S Silk, Ph.D

412-624-4428

jss4@pitt.edu

CONTACT

Sarah E Nelson, B.S.

443-933-0785

SEN102@pitt.edu

CONTACT