Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQs

  • This study explores how social media use affects mental health in teens. It lasts about 4 weeks and includes:

    • Surveys about how you feel, your sleep, self-esteem, and how you use social media

    • Daily short check-ins for 3 weeks

    • Uploading screenshots of your app usage each day

    • Trying out changes to your social media use (like reducing or pausing it) for 1–2 weeks, depending on which group you are randomly assigned to.

    Everything is done on your phone using a free app called ExpiWell, and it’s totally remote.

  • First, your parent or guardian will have to fill out a permission form and then you will have your own consent form to fill out too. After that, we’ll schedule a quick video call to explain the study and answer any questions you have. Then you’ll follow these steps:

    1. Log in to the study using a special code we’ll send you.

    2. Complete an initial survey (about 15–20 minutes) to get started.

    3. During Week 1, use your phone normally and complete a short daily survey after 3:30 PM.

    4. In Week 2, you may be asked to limit social media use to 30 minutes per day.

    5. In Week 3, you may be asked to stop using social media completely.

    6. Every day, you’ll take a short survey and upload a screenshot of your social media screen time.

    7. At the end, you’ll complete a final survey (similar to the first one) and have a chance to share your experience.

    The app will send reminders and guide you through each step. You’ll also be paid for your time each day!

  • To get involved, click [here] and complete the study interest form. Once submitted, our research team will contact you shortly.

  • Yes! You can earn up to $270. You’ll be paid for every survey, daily check-in, screen shot upload, and study form you complete. Payments will be given as gift cards and will be sent digitally each week.

  • That’s totally okay. The study is 100% voluntary, and you can stop anytime.
    You’ll still be paid for the parts you completed — no pressure to complete the whole study.

  • No, at this time, the study is only open to teens who live in Nevada.

  • If you are in middle school or high-school, you can participate! We are only accepting school-aged youth and you will have to show a form of ID to enroll.