Social Media Use, Fear of Missing Out and Psychological Wellbeing Among Young Adults

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to assess the relationship between social media use, fear of missing out and psychological wellbeing among young adults. The study also assesses whether there are significant differences in gender with respect to social media use, fear of missing out and psychological wellbeing. A sample of 230 young adults (115 males, 115 females) aged between 17-22 years participated in the study. Social Media Addiction Scale-Student form (SMAS-SF) by Sahin (2018), Fear of Missing Out Scale (FOMO) by Przybylski (2013), Psychological Wellbeing Scale (PWB) by Ryff (1989) were used to measure the variables in the study. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and independent sample t-test were used for statistical analysis of data. The findings indicated that social media use was positively correlated to fear of missing out and negatively correlated with psychological wellbeing; while psychological wellbeing was negatively correlated to fear of missing out. There was no significant gender difference in social media use and psychological wellbeing; while there was a significant gender difference in fear of missing out, with males having higher levels of fear of missing out in comparison to females. Implications are discussed.