Two-minute cartoons take aim at smartphone addiction
NCT ID NCT06979856
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This Stanford study tested whether watching short animated videos (about 2 minutes each) could make people more aware of the risks of smartphone overuse and reduce their addiction. Over 6,000 US adults who own a smartphone took part online. Researchers measured their smartphone addiction and attachment to their phones right after watching, then again at two and four weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
short animated storytelling videos
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help people reduce smartphone overuse.
What could go wrong
This is a completed online trial with self-reported outcomes, so real-world behavior change may be limited. The effect may fade over time or not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SMARTPHONE ADDICTION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Stanford University
Stanford, California, 94305, United States