NCT07097545 · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Change in Social Media Use and Well-being Among College Students Receiving a Two-week Exercise or Mindfulness Intervention
(SMUS)
What this study is about
The investigators will be randomizing 300 college student participants with high levels of social media use into either a 1) control condition (no intervention), a 2) mindfulness meditation cognitive intervention, or 3) a social media reduction + exercise replacement intervention. Participants complete intervention activities daily for two weeks.
View original scientific description
The investigators will be randomizing 300 college student participants with high levels of social media use into either a 1) control condition (no intervention), a 2) mindfulness meditation cognitive intervention, or 3) a social media reduction + exercise replacement intervention. Participants complete intervention activities daily for two weeks. The investigators will collect self-report and behavioral measures of social media use and related psychological constructs at three time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and one-week after the intervention period (three weeks from baseline).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Mindfulness
15 minute daily guided meditation
BEHAVIORAL
Social Media Reduction
Reduce social media use at least 30 minutes daily and exercise instead
BEHAVIORAL
Exercise
Participants will exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Participants are given examples of common exercises (walking, yoga, strength training, etc.), but are allowed to choose any type, although dissuaded from activities with high potential for injury.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21)
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Score range = 0-63, higher score = worse outcome
Change in World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoLBREF) scale
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Score range = 13-65, lower score = worse outcome
Change in smartphone screen time (minutes) for social media use
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Past-week amount of screen time for social media use
Change in number of social media use smartphone pick-ups
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Past-week total number of smartphone pickups for social media use applications
Change in percent of time using social media
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Past-week percent of time using social media compared to other smartphone application categories.
Change in social media use notifications received
Time frame: baseline, immediately post intervention, post intervention up to one week
Past-week total number of notifications received for social media use applications
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The participant is 18 or older.
- The participant must be a Johns Hopkins University student.
- Owning an iPhone or Android smartphone, with frequent use of social media use daily (\> 1 hour)
- Enabling and sharing screenshots of the participant's smartphone use metrics, including number of last-week pickups, notifications received, and average screen time.
- Providing consent to participate.
- Only exercising 1 hour or less daily, on average.
Exclusion criteria
- younger than 18
- Not a Johns Hopkins University Student
- Doesn't own a smart phone
- Uses smartphone less than 1 hour daily
- Exercises more than 1 hour daily
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 17, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations