FORT WORTH, Texas — The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) will study the impact of social media on young people's mental health and substance use, the school announced in a press release.
The school received a $500,000 grant to investigate how social media influences adolescents' mental health and substance use habits. The two-year study will monitor 250 young people to see how social media affects behaviors such as self-harm, disordered eating, and alcohol and cannabis use, the release states.
Research has already linked social media use to depression, anxiety and poor body image. There are emerging trends on social media that also glamorize self-harm and substance use, the release states. The study aims to identify high-risk content.
Dr. Karrie Curry, an assistant professor in UNTHSC’s Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences and Coaching program will lead the study, according to the release. The grant was awarded through the Texas Children’s Mental Health Care Consortium through its New and Emerging Child Mental Health Research program supporting mental health services for young people.
“This study aims to unpack the ways social media may exacerbate mental health challenges or encourage harmful behaviors,” Curry said.
The study began Sept. 1 and will run through Aug 31, 2026, according to the release. Participants will complete daily diary assessments over six weeks and participate in a 12-month follow-up to track social media use, mental health symptoms, and substance use.
"The rise of social media’s impact on adolescent mental health is something we must understand better. Dr. Curry’s innovative approach to studying social media’s connection to mental health challenges and risky behaviors like substance use will offer valuable insights," Dr. Misti Zablosky, chair and associate professor of UNTHSC’s Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being, said.
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