Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is soliciting applications for the R01 research project grant under funding opportunity number RFA-MH-25-205, titled “Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health.” This NOFO seeks to expand research on the complex interactions between social media use and adolescent mental health, encompassing both risks and resilience factors associated with psychopathology. Research may address how adolescents' social media behavior influences mental health outcomes or explore how pre-existing mental health conditions affect their social media interactions. Proposals are encouraged to incorporate novel, fine-grained data collection methods beyond mere screen time, such as passive digital trace data, text analysis, or GPS data, to better contextualize adolescent social media engagement. An accompanying R21 funding opportunity (RFA-MH-25-206) supports exploratory research in this field. The research scope covers both the potential mental health risks posed by social media (e.g., exposure to cyberbullying or discriminatory content) and its protective aspects, such as supportive virtual communities. Adolescents between 10 and 20 years old—a critical developmental stage—are the target age group, given the complex neurological, social, and emotional changes that occur during this period. Research on modifiable risk factors and protective mechanisms is highly prioritized, particularly focusing on how social media may impact the mental health of youth from underserved or marginalized groups. Additionally, proposals exploring parent and peer influences, as well as the potential role of algorithmic biases in shaping mental health outcomes, are encouraged. This NOFO supports research that could inform the development of social media-based interventions. Projects may investigate how social media can facilitate mental health service access and engagement or test preventive measures aimed at reducing online harm. Proposals are also encouraged to incorporate youth advisory boards and ethical components, such as exploring privacy issues and appropriate data use, to ensure the research is both responsible and relevant to the adolescent community it studies. In alignment with NIMH’s strategic priorities, research areas of interest include neurodevelopmental mechanisms behind social media’s impact on mental health, disparity factors affecting rural and underserved populations, and technology-driven interventions. Furthermore, proposals should aim to identify specific neurobiological and psychological markers of resilience and risk that could later serve as intervention targets. Studies assessing the influence of both positive and negative social media interactions on adolescent behavior and mental health are also welcomed. Funding for this opportunity will support projects up to five years. NIMH has allocated a total budget of $5 million across FY 2025 and FY 2026 to fund 5-6 awards across RFA-MH-25-205 and its companion RFA-MH-25-206, subject to NIH appropriations and meritorious applications. While project budgets are not capped, they must realistically reflect the project’s scope and needs. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based and foreign entities, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, and various governmental bodies. Required registrations include SAM, NCAGE (for foreign entities), UEI, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. For projects proposing clinical trials, applicants may consult NIH resources to confirm alignment with NIH’s clinical trial definitions and guidelines. Applications are due by January 28, 2025, for the first submission cycle, with an additional deadline of October 20, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. A non-binding letter of intent is requested 30 days prior to the application deadline to assist NIMH in planning the review process. For submission, applicants should follow the SF424 (R&R) application instructions, adhering to NIH’s updated FORMS-I once available. Detailed instructions are provided in the Application Guide, and applicants should strictly follow any specific NOFO guidelines to avoid delays.