Online Randomized Experiment Evaluating Ultra-Processed Food Warning Labels on Social Media Posts Among Teens and Young Adults
University of Tennessee
Summary
This study aims to evaluate whether Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) warning labels on social media posts improve consumer understanding and influence purchase intentions among teens and young adults. Participants aged 13-29 in the United States will be recruited and randomized into two groups: a control group (no label) and an intervention group (UPF warning). Participants will view social media posts featuring UPFs with or without warning labels and respond to survey questions following each post.
Description
This study is designed to assess the effect of a highly visible UPF warning label on social media posts among adolescents and young adults in the United States. we will recruit approximately 500 US teens aged 13-17 and 500 young adults aged 18-29. Participants will complete a between-subjects online randomized experiment. They will be randomized into either a UPF warning label group or a no label control group. Participants will view four social media posts featuring UPFs (with or without warning labels based on their assigned group) in random order. These posts are based on real Instagram ad…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13–29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 13-29 * Reside in the US * Can read and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Under the age of 13 or over 29 * Reside outside of the United States * Unable to complete a survey in English
Interventions
- BehavioralUPF Warning Labels
Participants will view four Instagram posts featuring UPFs, displayed with warning labels
- BehavioralNo Labels (Control)
Participants will view four Instagram posts featuring UPFs, displayed without warning labels
Location
- UTHSC Department of Preventive MedicineMemphis, Tennessee