Dietary and Cognitive Effects of Food Ads Posted by TikTok Influencers

A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining How TikTok Influencers' Posts With Vs. Without Food Differentially Affect Youth Dietary Choices

Randomized and controlled experimental study to evaluate how influencer food ads on TikTok affect calorie purchases among youth (ages 10-13). Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) seeing an influencer with food or (2) seeing an influencer without food. Participants will complete a 15-minute survey in which they will be randomized to one of two conditions and view and rate TikTok influencer ads associated with their condition. Then they will complete a food purchasing task in which they will shop in an online store that will display six food items and six beverages. Finally, they will answer demographic questions (e.g., self-reported height and weight) and view a debriefing summary that describes the full purpose of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be 10-13 years old
• Identify as only non-Latino White or only Black/African American
• Report that they log into TikTok at least once daily
• Read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any criteria not met as listed above will bar an adolescent from participating in the study