Two-minute cartoons take aim at smartphone addiction

NCT ID NCT06979856

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Behavior, Addictive Internet Addiction Disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SMARTPHONE ADDICTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Stanford University

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

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