Latest Research Studies

We're looking for teen participants, aged 13-17, to take part in a study investigating how social media influences the way adolescents think and behave. This study involves coming to our lab at the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre and doing computer-based tasks as well as answering a couple of questionnaires. Overall, the experiment lasts up to 1h, and you will receive £10 for your participation. Who can take part? Teenagers aged 13-17 Using social media platforms (such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter…) Without diagnosed developmental conditions, mental health conditions, special educational needs, or neurological disorders If you or someone you know might be interested in taking part, get in touch at teens-and-screens@cardiff.ac.uk

You will be asked to visit the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre on two occasions. First Visit: During the first visit, we will screen you for any contraindications to MRI and conduct a general health assessment. We will provide detailed information about the study tasks, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. This visit will last up to 1 hour. Second Visit: During the second visit, you will receive a drug called Dexmedetomidine. First, your brain will be scanned using MRI. Then, while you remain on the MRI bed, you will be administered Dexmedetomidine. The dose will be low and is expected to make you only moderately sleepy. After this, your brain will be scanned again while you are receiving the drug. During the scans, we will measure your brain activity as you perform a series of tasks. These include watching a screen, completing a hand-grip task, and experiencing mild stimulation to your skin (which may be moderately painful). This second visit will last up to 5 hours. You will receive £120 plus travel expenses for your participation.