Teens' brains scanned while using social media: a window into depression?
NCT ID NCT06817993
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study aims to create a more realistic brain-scan task that mimics social media interactions, like getting likes or comments. Researchers will scan the brains of 60 teens with depressive symptoms while they receive virtual peer feedback. The goal is to see how brain activity relates to their real-world social media use and mood over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
fMRI task with peer feedback (acceptance/rejection)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a better understanding of how social media impacts teen mental health, potentially guiding future interventions.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage, small study (60 teens) focused on developing a task, not testing a treatment. Results may not apply broadly or lead to direct benefits.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••