Social media use, sleep, and suicidality in adolescents

Active Project Grant Awarded Sep 7, 2023 Last action Sep 10, 2025

Award ID: RF1MH135499
Recipient: Brown University UEI E3FDXZ6TBHW3
Awarding agency: National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services
Obligated: $2,806,691

Award facts

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

As the agency reported it.

Abstract: Adolescent suicide rates have increased over the past two decades, with the recent covid-19 exacerbating pre-pandemic risk factors including increases in online social messaging. We propose that online social messaging for adolescents serves as a "social zeitgeber" (an environmental "time giver" that synchronizes diurnal rhythm) and that late night online social messaging contributes to delays in sleep onset. Over time, delays in sleep onset in combination with inability to phase shift the wake time for adolescents, contributes to impairments in cognitive and emotional capacity for managing daily stress, resulting in overall vulnerability throughout the day as well as a shift of vulnerability to the evenings when research has shown increases in adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The present research longitudinal research will examine these processes in the real world using a combination of (1) text extraction of online social messaging during the intensive sampling period, (2) ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and (3) wearable technology in combination with predictive algorithms. Findings will inform interventions that can range from ecological momentary interventions to adaptations to interventions such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

Subrecipient	Amount	Awarded
Butler Hospital Subrecipient PI's responsibilities for this project include the development and implementation of EMA protocols and assessment of EMA data in collaboration with…	$46,995	May 14, 2026
Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital Subrecipient PI's role on this project is to aid and consult on all sleep-related procedures and assessments, from conception through data collection, analysis,…	$69,014	May 6, 2026
Rhode Island Hospital Subrecipient PI will oversee all aspects of this grant with assistance from expert advisors and collaborators as outlined throughout this proposal. He is an…	$231,906	Mar 10, 2026

RF1MH135499 was awarded to Brown University by National Institute of Mental Health (National Institutes of Health) on September 7, 2023.

$2,806,691 has been obligated on RF1MH135499.

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