Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) & Internet Use: No Clear Link Except Social Media

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Researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis exploring the association between fear of missing out (FOMO) and internet use.

The analysis integrated 85 studies involving over 55,000 participants.

Here are some key facts from the research:

  • The correlation between FOMO and internet use ranged widely, from 0.11 to 0.63 across studies.
  • The FOMO-internet use correlation was similar for adults and teenagers.
  • FOMO’s association with internet use was unaffected by the severity of either FOMO or internet use.

Source: J Behav Addict

Trait vs. State FOMO

The research examined trait FOMO, which refers to a general, stable tendency to experience FOMO.

This differs from state FOMO, which is situation-specific fear of missing out related to being online.

Trait and state FOMO are interconnected – trait FOMO makes someone prone to experiencing state FOMO regarding internet use.

However, it is state FOMO that drives problematic internet use, not trait FOMO.

This may account for trait FOMO’s inconsistent association with internet use across populations.

FOMO’s Link to Internet Use

The meta-analysis found that the link between trait FOMO and internet use ranged hugely across studies, from a weak 0.11 correlation to a strong 0.63 correlation.

Moderator analyses revealed no demographic differences that accounted for this variability between adults and teens or students versus the general population.

The lack of clear moderators suggests unknown factors drive FOMO’s varying connection to internet use between populations.

The global COVID-19 pandemic was the only moderator strengthening FOMO’s tie to internet use.

No Interaction Between FOMO and Internet Use Severity

The researchers tested if FOMO’s association with internet use depends on the severity of either FOMO or internet use problems. No interaction emerged.

High, low, or average levels of FOMO related similarly to internet use regardless of mild or severe internet overuse.

Likewise, mild versus severe internet problems correlated equally with FOMO regardless of high or low FOMO tendencies.

This stability indicates FOMO and compulsive internet use do not exacerbate each other, despite their connection.

Their relationship was also not linear or curvilinear.

FOMO-Social Media Specifics

The meta-analysis found a modest link between FOMO and problematic Facebook use.

However, this relationship was trivial in some populations.

Problematic Instagram use correlated more strongly with FOMO overall.

However, FOMO predicted quitting Instagram use among some individuals, suggesting a complex dynamic.

These findings indicate FOMO’s ties to social media depend on the platform and vary between groups.

FOMO corresponds differently on Facebook versus Instagram.

FOMO Across Age Groups

FOMO’s association with age ranged from strongly positive to strongly negative between populations.

Overall, FOMO tended to decrease slightly with age.

However, age-FOMO correlations were similar for adults versus teenagers and students versus the general public.

This proposes FOMO is not specific to a particular developmental period.

Both young and mature groups can be prone to FOMO-fueled internet overuse.

Psychological Factors Unrelated to FOMO and Internet Use

The researchers examined if FOMO’s link to internet use depends on mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress or life dissatisfaction.

No effects emerged for any psychological symptoms or satisfaction with life.

This implies these factors do not impact FOMO’s tie to compulsive internet use.

COVID Pandemic Strengthens FOMO-Internet Use Association

FOMO’s connection to internet use was stronger in studies after the COVID-19 pandemic onset versus before.

This suggests global crises strengthening feelings of missing out also reinforce FOMO’s role in internet overuse.

FOMO may be a maladaptive coping strategy during distressing events.

Limitations and Future Directions of FOMO Research

The bulk of studies focused on young Asian female participants.

Additional research should examine diverse groups.

Most studies used cross-sectional designs, restricting causal conclusions.

Longitudinal and experimental approaches would better address directionality.

Few studies included psychological motivations for internet use.

Incorporating these factors could help elucidate inconsistencies in FOMO’s relevance across populations.

Daily diary methods tracking state FOMO would provide insight into its real-time relationship with internet use.

In summary, this comprehensive meta-analysis revealed a complex, inconsistent interplay between FOMO and internet use.

FOMO appears particularly relevant to Instagram overuse.

However, the reasons for variability between groups remain unclear.

Further exploration of state FOMO and psychological motivations for internet use can advance understanding of this multifaceted phenomenon.

References