Social Media Intervention for OnLinE Victimized Youth

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

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Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of an automated intervention delivered via a social media-based chatbot to reduce depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among adolescents seeking primary care services who report online victimization (OV. OV (i.e., disparaging remarks, symbols, images, or behaviors that inflict harm in online spaces) frequently occurs on social media and is directly linked to depression and STBs. OV peaks during adolescence and it is especially prevalent among adolescents; over half of youth experience a form of online victimization involving derogation or exclusion. Early detection and intervention on OV have potential to improve health during adolescence and prevent longer-term negative effects. Primary care providers (PCPs) recognize that OV is common among their patients, but practical barriers inhibit their capacity for response. Chatbots are software programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate conversation with a user via text, voice, or video, and can be deployed on social media, SMS, or can be web-based. A chatbot that responds to OV identified in primary care could extend PCPs’ capacity to help youth with OV through an automated intervention. We propose to develop and evaluate SMILEY, a chatbot-delivered intervention deployed on social media that will reduce the frequency and accompanying perceived stress after an OV event (a factor associated with depressive severity and suicidal ideation) among online-victimized adolescents with depression at least half of whom will also have suicide risk identified in primary care. We will apply the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Assessment, decision, adaptation, production, topical experts-integration, training, testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework to inform intervention development. We will conduct qualitative interviews to identify guide intervention development and then use human-centered design techniques to iteratively develop and evaluate SMILEY. We will conduct a randomized pilot trial (N=75) comparing SMILEY + a brief psychoeducational intervention (BP) with youth and parents vs. BPI youth who screen positive for depression (half of whom are suicidal) and report OV. This study will provide data regarding a novel chatbot intervention that can fill a critical gap in services for adolescents experiencing OV and meaningfully advance suicide prevention for vulnerable youth and their caregivers. We aim to develop an intervention that is acceptable and feasible for all youth. Should this intervention prove feasible, appropriate, and acceptable, and effectively engage treatment targets of distress and frequency of OV, this study will provide the basis for a definitive test with an R01.