Identifying social media behaviors that generate social connections and mitigate distress in early adolescence

The National Institute of Mental Health awarded $431,750 to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark Division on August 20, 2026, under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242) to investigate social media behaviors that generate social connections and mitigate distress in early adolescence.

The recipient will conduct a multimodal research investigation examining how approach-oriented social media behaviors—such as reacting to and sharing content with peers—foster social connection and reduce mental health risks among early adolescents ages 12 to 14 years. The study integrates physiological tools, ecological momentary assessment, and community-based participatory research to examine the interplay between neurodevelopmental sensitivity to social cues and social media use during a critical developmental period marked by rapid socio-emotional changes and heightened vulnerability to stress-related disorders including depression and anxiety.

Performance extends from August 20, 2026, through August 19, 2028, with work conducted in Newark, New Jersey. The project addresses the gap in research understanding how new social media users in early adolescence engage with digital platforms to navigate peer relationships and promote well-being, particularly as 95 percent of adolescents have smartphone access and 96 percent use the internet daily.

Abstract

Early adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by rapid socio-emotional changes and increased vulnerability to mental health issues, with long-term implications into adulthood. This stage involves biological maturation that heightens sensitivity to social rewards and prompts a shift toward peer-oriented relationships, which are closely linked to the onset of stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety. In the U.S., this period often overlaps with the transition from elementary to middle school, presenting additional social challenges. At the same time, digital technology has transformed the adolescent social environment: 95% of adolescents have smartphone access, and 96% use the internet daily. Social media use during this stage interacts with neurodevelopmental sensitivity to social cues, amplifying both risks and opportunities for mental health. While much research has focused on the negative impacts of social media (e.g., cyberbullying), its features can also support healthy peer connections and foster a sense of belonging that can help mitigate against stress-related psychopathology and help build resilience. Despite the growing role of social media in adolescents' life, however, little is known about how early adolescents, as new users, engage with social media to navigate peer relationships and promote well-being. This proposal investigates how approach-oriented social media behaviors (e.g., reacting to and sharing content with peers) foster social connection and reduce mental health risks in early adolescence. We take a multimodal approach that integrates physiological tools, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and community-based participatory research (CBPR), and focuses on early adolescence (ages 12-14 years) which represents a critical period for emerging social media use and vulnerability. In aim 1, we examine behavioral and physiological responses to adaptive social media use in a lab setting, using developmentally-relevant stimuli CO-created with a youth advisory board. We will assess how engaging with peers online promotes connectedness, reduces distress (via self-report and physiological measures), and builds resilience to depression and anxiety. In aim 2, we explore how these behaviors, along with social connectedness and mental health symptoms, unfold in daily life through EMA. By combining lab-based and real-world methods, we aim to identify digital behaviors that strengthen peer relationships, reduce momentary distress, and support mental health. Taken together, this research will highlight the potential benefits of positive social media use during a critical time of transition for adolescents and lay the groundwork for a longitudinal program on adolescent development and mental health.