Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is considered social media in this study?
In this study, social media is defined as any form of electronic communication through platforms, apps, or websites that allow users to create online communities, share information, ideas, personal messages, or other content.
What are the two groups (or conditions) in your study?
Naturalistic Condition: Adolescents in this group do not have study-specific restrictions on social media access.
Restricted Condition: Adolescents in this group have robust parental controls enabled, specifically designed to block access to social media. This condition only lasts for 3 months.
Is there a list of social media platforms that are banned in the Restricted Condition?
Yes, but it is subject to change depending on use trends. The current list includes (1 )Facebook, (2) Instagram, (3) Snapchat, (4) Twitch, (5) Discord, (6) Twitter/X, (7) YouTube, (8) Pinterest, (9) BeReal, (10) Reddit, and (11) TikTok.
Is there a way to guarantee that my child will be placed in a particular group?
No. A fundamental component of our study is that group placement is randomized. If you choose to participate, your child will have a 50% chance of being placed in either group.
Do I have to let my child use social media if they are placed in the Naturalistic Condition?
No, parents always have control over what content their children are exposed to. We expect that parents who choose to enroll their children will allow their adolescents some freedom to explore some social media, but it is not required.
Will I have access to my adolescent’s mental health reports?
No. Our study will only report data in aggregate (combined/unidentifiable) to academic publishers. If you wish to be notified when projects are published, you may sign up for our newsletter.
How long will it take to complete the study?
The main portion of this study includes 6 months of data collection, but onboarding procedures can add a few days or a few weeks, depending on your availability to complete the onboarding tasks.
How long does it take to complete the surveys, and what is the compensation?
There are three paid surveys and one unpaid survey.
The unpaid survey is estimated to take under 10 minutes to complete.
The first paid survey is expected to take approximately 1 hour to complete, and the compensation is $20.
The second and third paid surveys are expected to take approximately 40 minutes to complete, and the compensation is $40 for each.
I plan on purchasing a smartphone for my Adolescent soon. What is the best time to enroll them?
One month before you plan to give your child their new smartphone would provide us with ample time to complete the onboarding process, but it can be completed in a single day if necessary.