Understanding Youth Wellbeing Through Smartphone App Use

A University of Warwick research study, in partnership with Monash University Malaysia, looking at whether everyday patterns of smartphone use are related to wellbeing over time.

Read the study informationGive consent & take part

Android only. Taking part is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

App home screen
Options screen

Passive & minimal

Only pre-bedtime phone use and social media share - nothing else is recorded

Two short check-ins

The PHQ-9 and WHO-5 wellbeing questionnaires, once a fortnight

Your data, protected

Pseudonymised, encrypted, and never linked to your name

Ethics-reviewed research

Run by the University of Warwick, with Monash University Malaysia

Why smartphone data?

Young people are more likely than older adults to experience anxiety and depression, and almost everyone carries a smartphone. This study looks at whether everyday patterns - like time spent on the phone before bed, or on social media - are related to changes in wellbeing over time, alongside two short questionnaires each fortnight.

Study illustration

Ready to take part?

Read the study information and give consent first - you'll get a participant code and a link to install the app (Android only).

Start with consent

Your questions, answered

The short version. For the full detail, read the Participant Information Leaflet.

Is my data private?

Yes. Your answers and phone-use data are linked to a random code (like DD-1A2B3C), not your name. Only two named members of the Warwick research team can connect that code back to you, and only while you are taking part - once your final voucher is paid, that link is permanently deleted and your data becomes fully anonymous. Everything is kept on a secure, encrypted, access-controlled university-approved server. Our partners at Monash University Malaysia only ever see anonymous, grouped results, never anything that could identify you.

What does the app actually collect?

Two things, plus one optional extra:
  • Which apps you use and for how long (for example, "Instagram, 6:03-6:11pm"). This is used to work out patterns, like how much you are on your phone before bed, or how much time goes on social media.
  • Your answers to two short wellbeing questionnaires (about 2-5 minutes, once a fortnight).
  • Optional: if you choose to connect it, your sleep, step count and exercise sessions.

It does not collect the content of your messages or calls, your browsing history, your contacts, your photos, or your location.

How do I get paid?

You get a £2.50 shopping voucher (Edenred) for each fortnightly check-in you complete - one in the first week of the month, one between weeks two and three - so up to £5 a month and up to £30 over the full 6 months. Each check-in is the two short questionnaires (about 2-5 minutes). Your voucher is arranged at the end of each month, based on what you completed, and a member of the project admin team emails it to you (so they will have your name and email for that purpose). Vouchers can be spent at a range of high-street retailers.

Can I stop?

Yes - at any time, without giving a reason, and it will not affect you, your studies or your work. Just open the app and choose Settings → "Delete my account & leave the study". That stops all data collection and removes the data we hold about you. Taking part is completely voluntary.