JoyNet: Evaluating an AI-Powered Social Media Platform for Supporting Well-Being in Black Youth

Context: (Background) Black youth face significant mental health challenges, such as grief and stress, often without access to culturally appropriate care or resources. This study will explore JoyNet, an AI-powered platform designed to provide a safe and supportive online environment that promotes healing and joy through personalized, culturally relevant content. By addressing the unique needs of Black youth, this research aims to improve mental health outcomes and create accessible tools for well-being.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to develop and iteratively refine JoyNet in an adolescent population, a culturally responsive online platform, to test preliminary implementation measures including feasibility and acceptability, and to assess whether JoyNet use can improve well-being indicators.

Study Design: This protocol is a prospective, observational study focused on Black youth.

Setting/Participants: This study will be conducted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and surrounding communities. The study aims to recruit 100 Black youth who meet the following inclusion criteria: 1) Black youth aged 13–18, 2) have access to a smartphone with WIFI/internet access, 3) can attend in-person or virtual group sessions, and 4) is able to understand study instructions.

Study Procedures, Interventions and Measures: • Interaction with the JoyNet platform • Group sessions • Surveys • Continuous collection of passive mobile sensing data • Ecological momentary assessments of mood and well-being administered through mobile phone

Main study outcome measures The main outcome is engagement with JoyNet, as measured by objective engagement metrics collected via smartphone. This would allow us to determine feasibility and usability of JoyNet by Black youth of adolescent age. The secondary outcome is mood and wellbeing as assessed by surveys and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) administered via smartphone.