The Keep Social randomized control trial (RCT) is a 6-week, online study which will test whether, relative to a placebo control condition, an intervention that encourages high-quality in-person social interactions with strangers and acquaintances reduces young adults' (ages 18 - 29) social isolation and loneliness. Participants will complete our 6-week protocol, which includes 6 weeks of passive ecological behavior sampling (i.e., geotracking) and Day Reports, our 4-week Invibe social media messages, plus recurrent Biweekly Assessments (BW1-BW4) that include both self-reported and behavioral measures. The first Monday following enrollment, participants complete the BW1 baseline survey to assess demographic characteristics and initial levels of all outcome variables (primary and secondary, \~20 min). They also (optionally) activate passive geotracking on this day and leave it activated, continuously, for the duration of the study. During the 2-week baseline and 4-week Invibe phases, time-varying psychological and behavioral mediators and moderators will be assessed three times per week via Day Reports. To increase ecological validity, each week, two weekdays (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday), and one weekend day (i.e., Friday, Saturday or Sunday) will be randomly selected. Day reports will not be assigned on Mondays if there is a biweekly assessment scheduled.
Age range
18 Years – 29 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Quantity of locations visited as a potential indicator of social opportunity or isolation
Timeframe: Continuous over the duration of the 6-week study
Roaming entropy as a potential indicator of social opportunity or isolation
Timeframe: Continuous over the duration of the 6-week study
Left Home (Yes/No) as a potential indicator of social opportunity or isolation
Timeframe: Continuous over the duration of the 6-week study
Loneliness, Self-Report (Biweekly)
Timeframe: Baseline/Week 0, Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6
Loneliness, Self-Report (Day)
Timeframe: Included in Day Reports, 3 times a week, over the 6-week RCT
Behavioral Motivational Value for Strangers-Smiling-with-Direct-Gaze
Timeframe: Week 4
Social Connection, Open Text
Timeframe: Week 6