INVEST-NJ: Identifying Negative Violence Exposure on Social Media in Teens – New Jersey
Fast Facts
Ages 13-18 (Grades 7-12)
Have Experienced Any Exposure To Gun Violence In The Past 3 Months
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely in New Jersey
Study Background
INVEST-NJ: Identifying Negative Violence Exposure on Social Media in Teens – New Jersey
Study Background
INVEST-NJ: Identifying Negative Violence Exposure on Social Media in Teens – New Jersey
Adolescence is a crucial time for mental health, as teens face developmental changes and increased social media exposure. The Rutgers University INVEST-NJ study examines how violence on social media affects sleep, mood, and mental health in New Jersey teens, aiming to uncover key connections.
This fully remote study includes two brief Zoom or phone calls, an initial 45-60 minute online survey, and a four-week at-home phase where participants wear a sleep-monitoring watch and complete short daily surveys. Three months later, participants complete a final online survey. This approach captures both immediate and long-term effects of social media on teen sleep and mood.
Join our compensated research study to help advance our understanding of sleep and mental health in teens.
PI: Jessica L. Hamilton, Ph.D., Rutgers University – New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Additional Information
You/your child may qualify for this study if you/your child meet(s) the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13-18 (grades 7-12)
- Have experienced any exposure to gun violence (on social media or offline) in the past 3 months
- Use social media daily
- Live in New Jersey
- Speak English
- Own a smartphone
The full study will last three months. This is a completely online study, but you will meet with the study team twice (the first time over Zoom and the second time by Zoom or phone).
First Study “Visit”: Zoom call (up to 30 minutes) and initial surveys (60 minutes). The first Zoom call will be to confirm your eligibility, provide assent (teen) and consent (parent), and start the study (download the two study apps). After the Zoom, you will be asked to complete an online survey, contact form, and safety plan. You will be paid $20 in giftcards after completing this part of the study.
Four week at-home portion and Second Study “Visit” : After the initial study virtual “visit”, you will enter the 4-week at-home part of the study. In this portion, you will wear a sleep monitoring watch (similar to an Apple watch or FitBit) and answer very short daily surveys (4x/day)– about 3 minutes per survey. The watch should be worn all the time, but especially at night since it monitors sleep!
At the end of the at-home period, you will return the watch (we will provide a mailing label) and uninstall the apps. You also will be invited to meet briefly with the study team by phone or Zoom (15-20 minutes) to share about your experiences in the study. You will be paid up to $160 for this portion, based on how much you wear the watch and complete the surveys.
Three months later, you will be contacted to complete a follow-up survey (60 minutes) about your mood and experiences over the past three months. You will be paid $20 for this survey in giftcards.
Payment provided through Amazon gift cards (up to $200).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
