Can a 4-Week training break the doomscrolling cycle?

NCT ID NCT07663708

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a 4-step behavioral training program designed to help young adults (ages 18-29) who struggle with social media addiction, doomscrolling, and cyberchondria—excessive online health searching that fuels anxiety. Participants attend one 90-minute session per week for four weeks, learning to screen their habits, plan healthier behaviors, and manage distress. The goal is to see if the program reduces addiction, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to a waitlist group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

4-Step Training Program for Social Media Addiction (4-STEP-TPS)

What this could lead to

If effective, this program could offer a simple, non-drug way to help young adults break harmful social media habits and improve mental health.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The program requires active participation and may not work for all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression Internet Addiction Disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Government College University Faisalabad

    Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••