The Relationship Between Big Five Personality Traits and Fear of Missing Out: A Correlational Analysis in Indian Adults

Abstract

This study examined how Big Five personality traits relate to Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among Indian adults. Analyzing data from 331 participants, we found neuroticism showed the strongest positive association with FOMO, while extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness demonstrated negative relationships. Openness showed no significant connection. The results reveal that emotionally unstable individuals are particularly susceptible to FOMO, whereas those with greater emotional stability and self-discipline appear more resilient. These findings contribute to cross-cultural understanding of digital anxiety by demonstrating how core personality dimensions differentially predict FOMO experiences in the Indian context. The study has practical implications for developing personality-sensitive interventions to promote healthier digital engagement. Methodological strengths include validated measures and a demographically diverse sample, while limitations include the cross-sectional design. This research advances theoretical models of personality-technology interactions beyond Western populations.