Keep Social Study for Young Adults

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Jun 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Keep Social Study for Young Adults is a 6-week online clinical trial that aims to help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness in young adults aged 18 to 29. Participants will take part in a program that encourages meaningful in-person interactions with others, while we compare the results to a control group that does not receive this intervention. By tracking participants' behaviors and feelings through surveys and social media messages, the study will gather valuable information about how these interactions can impact mental health.

To be eligible for the study, participants must use social media, own a smartphone, and live in urban or suburban areas. The study is particularly looking for individuals from backgrounds that typically face more health challenges, including those who identify as Black or Hispanic or who feel they have low social standing. If you join the trial, you can expect to complete a series of surveys at the start and throughout the study to share your experiences and feelings about social connections. This research is an important step in understanding how enhancing social interactions can positively influence young adults' well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Use social media
• • Own a smartphone
• • Reside in urban or suburban regions
• • Meet one or more criteria for membership in a sociodemographic population with increased risk of adverse health outcomes in the U.S.: at least 500 participants who identity as Black or African American, at least 500 participants who identify as Hispanic, at least 500 participants with low subjective social status - i.e., who report a 5 or lower on the MacArthur Subjective Social Status (SSS) ladder). Groupings are not mutually exclusive.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Reside in rural region