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• It explores reasons for distracted walking caused by maladaptive smartphone usage. • It used mixed methods (observational and pre-registered online studies). • Participants were recruited from the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. • Perceptions of warm temperatures enhance distracted walking. • Warm temperatures enhance the feeling of FOMO, leading to distracted walking. This research explores the impact of technology on distracted walking behavior. The authors hypothesize that perceptions of warm temperatures cause people to feel fears of missing out (FOMO) by amplifying heightened concerns about missed social opportunities, leading to more distracted walking behavior resulting from maladaptive smartphone usage. One observational study and two pre-registered online studies (N = 1242) utilizing population samples from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia demonstrate that as temperatures increase (decrease), individuals experience heightened (reduced) feelings of FOMO, leading to higher (lower) distracted walking caused by maladaptive smartphone usage. Policy implications for public safety are discussed, along with research directions for further examining relationships between temperature perceptions and distracted walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), fueled by the fear that missing out on something will negatively affect one's happiness, is directly related to the social environment. This study examines the antecedents and consequences of FoMO. We also examined the moderating effect of others' social media statuses or stories checking frequency (OSMSSCF) on the relationship of social learning-social proof (SL-SP) and social comparison (SC) with FoMO openness significantly predicted SC and SL-SP. While neuroticism significantly predicted SL-SP, it did not significantly predict SC. Moreover, SC and SL-SP significantly predicted FoMO. We also found that neuroticism and openness were significant predictors of FoMO. On the other hand, OSMSSCF moderated the prediction of FoMO through SC. These findings suggest that neuroticism and openness increase FoMO levels by increasing individuals' susceptibility to SI. • Personality traits neuroticism and openness were significant predictors of FoMO. • Social comparison (SC) and social learning-social proof predicted FoMO. • Higher FoMO levels led to increased social media control frequencies. • Checking others' social media activities moderated predicting FoMO by SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathological symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies offline and online. The present cross-national study aims to verify whether Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Preference for Online Social Interactions (POSI) could explain the relationship between psychopathological symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety symptoms) and Social Networking Sites (SNS) addiction. We tested our hypothesis in two samples from Poland (N = 1163) and Germany (N = 781) using self-report measures of psychopathological symptoms, FoMO, POSI, and SNS addiction. In both countries, we found the same result pattern. Depression and anxiety symptoms were positively related to SNS addiction. Moreover, FoMO and POSI partially mediated the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and addictive SNS use. Notably, the relationship between psychopathological symptoms is significantly more robust via FoMO as it is an essential predictor of SNS addiction in both countries. Our findings show that ineffective emotional regulation, as well as maladaptive thoughts and beliefs about one's Internet use among persons with psychopathological symptoms, might increase the risk for SNS addiction. • Depression and anxiety symptoms are positively related to SNS addiction. • FoMO and POSI mediates the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and addictive SNS use in Poland and Germany. • FoMO is a robust predictor of SNS addiction in both countries. • SNS addiction could be considered a secondary disorder for some individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T he Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), which is often experienced over missing opportunities for social gains associated with drinking, has been linked to heavy episodic drinking and experiencing negative consequences. The UK Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related lockdown provided a unique context to study FoMO's ability to predict of alcohol consumption. The aim of the current study was to test if FoMO predicted alcohol consumption during a time of social restrictions. One hundred and five UK adults (aged 18–30, 61% female) participated in a study using an ecological momentary assessment design. Surveys were completed on smartphones and assessed FoMO and drinking intentions, three time a day (morning, afternoon, evening) over three consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Alcohol consumption was recorded once per day, based on previous day consumption. Repeated mixed model analyses found FoMO significantly predicted quantity of alcohol consumption (b =.05, p =.01) and drinking intentions (b =.47, p <.001), but did not predict frequency of consumption. Being male (b = 2.93, p =.02) and higher intentions (b = 0.5, p <.001) predicted higher quantity of consumption. Drinking intentions was the only variable to predict frequency of consumption (b =.004, p <.001). The study showed FoMO can predict quantity of alcohol consumption and drinking intentions, which are linked to increased negative consequences. Future studies should assess FoMO against other predictive factors. Results provide an insight into how a social predictor influenced alcohol consumption during a time of restrictions. • Ecological Momentary Assessment of the effect of Fear of Missing Out on drinking. • FoMO predicted future quantity of alcohol consumed and drinking intentions. • FoMO was a non-significant to predict frequency of alcohol consumption. • FoMO may be a viable target for future interventions aimed at reducing consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We study how psychological, personality, and cognitive traits impact the blocking of misinformation sources. • Three studies are conducted across varying political contexts using political, health misinformation, and deepfakes. • Social media news users are more likely to block misinformation sources due to high levels of fear of missing out. • Those with low levels of conscientiousness and low cognitive ability are more likely to engage in blocking. • The conditioning effects of conscientiousness vary across sociopolitical contexts. While extensive research has explored user engagement with misinformation, there remains a gap in understanding how individuals respond to those who share misinformation by blocking them. This study explores the factors influencing this blocking behavior, including social media news consumption, psychological traits, personality, and cognitive characteristics. Through three studies conducted in varying political contexts (the US and Singapore) and focusing on different types of misinformation (political, health, and political and entertainment deepfakes), we employ the dual motivation framework to analyze the interplay between social media news consumption and the decision to block sources of misinformation. Additionally, we investigate the role of the fear of missing out as a mediator in this relationship and how traits such as conscientiousness and cognitive ability moderate it. Our findings suggest that individuals who frequently consume social media news are more inclined to block sources of misinformation due to a heightened fear of missing out. Furthermore, those with lower levels of cognitive ability and conscientiousness exhibit a greater tendency to block misinformation sources. This research enhances our understanding of the mechanisms driving blocking behavior on social media in response to misinformation and underscores the importance of considering sociopolitical factors in understanding such behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note proposes a decision theoretic definition of the popular phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). Our definition assumes that FOMO causes individuals to base their decision-making utility on their own anticipated regret and the decisions made by individuals in their social peer group. We use an example related to asset trading in order to illustrate how to analyse decision-making under FOMO preferences and to highlight differences with the concept of regret aversion. • This research suggests a formal economic definition of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). • FOMO shares features of regret aversion and social preferences, but differs. • An individual's decision is influenced by anticipated regret and their social peer group. • The paper demonstrates how FOMO can lead individuals to make inferior decisions. • Decisions deviate from expected material payoff maximisation to avoid FOMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has identified some risk factors for problematic smartphone use. However, scarce research has examined the potential influence of envy on problematic smartphone use, and little is known regarding the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. This study tested whether envy would be positively related to adolescent problematic smartphone use, whether FOMO would mediate the relationship between envy and problematic smartphone use, and whether student-student relationship would moderate the pathways between envy and problematic smartphone use. This model was tested among 724 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 16.79 years, SD = 0.91). Participants completed measurements regarding envy, problematic smartphone use, FOMO, and student-student relationship. The results indicated that envy was positively related to problematic smartphone use and FOMO mediated this relationship. Moreover, moderated mediation analyses showed that all three pathways between envy and adolescent problematic smartphone use were moderated by student-student relationship. This study highlights the underlying mechanisms between envy and adolescent problematic smartphone use, which has important implications for the preventions and interventions of adolescent problematic smartphone use in this digital era. • Envy is positively related to problematic smartphone use (PSU). • FOMO mediates the link between envy and PSU. • Student-student relationship moderates the links between envy and PSU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Instant messengers (IM) mediate several types of negative social exchanges that can affect the psychological well-being of their users. Using an instant messenger popular in Taiwan (LINE) as an example, this study examined the relationship between IM communication and well-being. An online survey was conducted and found that negative IM social exchanges in which messages were ignored by their recipients, interfered with other activities, or contained hostility or ridicule were directly related to a global measure of negative social exchange that included face-to-face as well as online interactions. Insensitive IM social exchanges were positively related to loneliness, depression, and fear of missing out (FoMO), and were negatively related to social support. Highlights • Insensitive IM social exchanges were positively related to loneliness and depression. • Insensitive IM social exchanges were positively related to fear of missing out. • Insensitive IM social exchanges were negatively related to social support. • IM hostility was positively related to loneliness and depression. • IM ridicule was positively related to loneliness and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a strong relationship between social media addiction and social anxiety. • Neuroticism is a risk factor for internet addiction. • Emotional dysregulation and internet addiction is mediated by other variables. Perception of the need to be online can lead to the compulsive use of the Internet. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between Internet Addiction and Social Media Addiction and some psychological variables that could influence the onset of these disorders (FoMO, Emotional Dysregulation, Personality traits). The sample was composed by 598 Spanish university students aged from 18 to 35 (471 women and 118 men; average age = 21.56; standard deviation = 2.73). Participants responded to an online questionnaire regarding the use of Internet (IAT), the use of social media (BSMAS), Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Emotional (Dys)regulation (DERS) and personality traits (BFI-15). Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between FoMO, Social Media Addiction, Internet Addiction, Emotional (Dys)regulation and Neuroticism dimension of Big five. Also, we observed a negative relationship between Internet Addiction and Social Media Addiction, Conscientiousness dimension of Big Five, and gender. The tested mediation model highlighted that the total effect of the DERS on the IAT score was significant as well as its indirect effect via the BSMAS and FoMO scores was positive and significant. In conclusion, we proposed a new integrated model for understanding the characteristics, predictors, and risk factors of IA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent meta-analytical evidence indicates a mild association between higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness scores and a tendency towards problematic social media use (PSMU). However, fear of missing out (FoMO) has emerged as a critical variable in understanding the positive link between neuroticism and PSMU. Given the replication crisis in psychology, this study aimed to reinvestigate personality-PSMU associations and, crucially, the less-studied FoMO mediation effect. To ensure generalizability of the findings, we recruited two diverse samples with European and Arabian backgrounds. The results revealed a significant total effect of neuroticism on PSMU for both cultural groups, with the European sample demonstrating a fully mediated effect via FoMO, whereas the Arab sample showed a partially mediated effect via FoMO, along with a significant direct effect. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of FoMO as a mediator between neuroticism and PSMU and some minor potential cultural differences in this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • BPNS is a protective factor for FOMO. • Individual relative deprivation was a mediator in the relation. • Social support from friends moderated the mediation effect. Abstract Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a new mental illness in digital era. Basing on the self-determination theory, the present study investigated how basic psychological needs satisfaction reducing FOMO. We tested a moderated mediating model that friend support moderated the mediating role of individual relative deprivation on the relation between basic psychological needs satisfaction and FOMO. A sample of 815 college students (mean age = 19.03 ± 1.13 years) participated our paper-and-pencil survey. Results showed that, basic psychological needs satisfaction negatively correlated with FOMO, and it reduced participants’ FOMO via reducing individual relative deprivation. What's more, the mediating effect was moderated by friend support, comparing with low friend support participants, the indirect effect was larger among high friend support participants. The present study indicated that basic psychological needs satisfaction, and friend support were protective factors for college students’ mental health. The limitations and implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research indicates that authentic self-presentation on social networking sites (SNSs) is a common behavior for adolescents. However, little is known about the driving force behind this behavior. The present study tested the relation between the need to belong and authentic self-presentation on SNSs among Chinese adolescents. Further, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation were examined. A sample of 832 adolescents participated in this study and completed questionnaires regarding the need to belong, perceived social support, fear of missing out (FoMO), and authentic self-presentation on SNSs. After controlling for gender, age, and SNSs use intensity, the need to belong could positively predict adolescent authentic self-presentation on SNSs. Mediation analyses indicated that FoMO mediated the association between the need to belong and adolescent authentic self-presentation on SNSs. Moderated mediation revealed that perceived social support moderated the second pathway of the indirect associations between the need to belong and adolescent authentic self-presentation on SNSs, with the association only being significant for adolescents with a lower level of perceived social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet addiction takes on different forms and is an important issue for diagnostic and preventive reasons. This paper sets out to diagnose the scale of problematic use of Internet (PIU) in the context of symptoms and mechanisms of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). For this purpose, triangulation of the following research tools was applied: Social Media Intensity Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale, Summary of Social Media Use, Social Media Usage Urges, the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale. To picture the scale of FOMO and accompanying PIU behaviors, data from 717 students in Sarajevo and Mostar cantons (Bosnia and Herzegovina) were collected. The research was conducted in 2nd half of 2017. Based on this data, we can see that about 20% of young respondents (average age of 13 years) show several FOMO symptoms, whereas another 30% belong are at risk of being addicted to Internet. The remaining 50% of students are not at risk of IAT. These criteria vary due to lack of unified tools to measure FOMO. However, it has been observed that FOMO is minimized by some forms of leisure activity and does not depend on gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media use is prevalent in today's society and has contributed to problems with social media addiction. The goal of the study was to investigate whether extraversion, neuroticism, attachment style, and fear of missing out (FOMO) were predictors of social media use and addiction. Participants in the study ( N = 207) volunteered to complete a brief survey measuring levels of extraversion, neuroticism, attachment styles, and FOMO. In the final model of a hierarchical regression, younger age, neuroticism, and fear of missing out predicted social media use. Only fear of missing out predicted social media addiction. Attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted social media addiction, but this relationship was no longer significant after the addition of FOMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued and frequent use of social network sites (SNS) has been linked to a fear of missing out (FOMO) and online self-promotion in the form of friending and information disclosure. The present paper reports findings from 506 UK based Facebook users (53% male) who responded to an extensive online survey about their SNS behaviours and online vulnerability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) suggests that FOMO mediates the relationship between increased SNS use and decreased self-esteem. Self-promoting SNS behaviours provide more complex mediated associations. Longitudinal support ( N = 175) is provided for the notion that decreased self-esteem might motivate a potentially detrimental cycle of FOMO-inspired online SNS use. The research considers the implications of social networking on an individual's online vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preoccupied and fearful attachments predicted problematic social media use (PSMU). • Preoccupied and fearful attachments were related to self-esteem and fear of missing out (FoMO). • Self-esteem and FoMO were related to daily time expenditure on social media. • Self-esteem and FoMO and daily time expenditure mediated the link between preoccupied and fearful attachments and PSMU. The present study investigated the factors that may be associated with a dysfunctional use of social media use, by exploring the association between adult attachment patterns and problematic social media use and analyzing the sequential mediation of self-esteem, fear of missing out (FoMO), and time spent on social media. A sample of 470 social media users (M age = 33.76 years; SD = 14.267; 70 % women) completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Relationship Questionnaire. Results showed a path analysis model providing an excellent fit to the data (χ 2 = 2.939, p = 0.230; GFI = 0.998, TLI = 0.987, CFI = 0.998, RMSEA = 0.032, SRMR = 0.016). A significant and positive total effect in the associations between preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns and problematic social media use emerged. Both preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns were also related to self-esteem, FoMO, and time spent on social media, which were sequentially associated and were, in turn, significantly related to problematic social media use. Finally, when self-esteem, FoMO, and time spent on social media were added into the model, they totally mediated the relationships between preoccupied and fearful attachment patterns and problematic social media use, suggesting a full multiple mediation model (R 2 = 0.33). Such data may provide useful information for clinical practice to develop tailored interventions and prevention programs to address the compensatory and problematic use of social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The link between addiction to mobile phones and road safety was investigated. • 37 studies were reviewed using the PRISMA methodology for systematic reviews. • Problematic mobile phone use increases risk of phone use whilst on the road and crashes. • Addition to mobile phones can undermine behavioral change initiatives to reduce distracted driving. • Prevention of distraction-related crashes and falls must consider the impact of psychosocial factors. Maladaptive Mobile Phone Use (MMPU) (also known as Smartphone Addiction, Nomophobia, Fear of Missing Out, or Problematic Mobile Phone Use) is a growing mental health problem. However, the health and safety consequences of MMPU remain unexplored in many real-life contexts. A potential setting where MMPU may have some negative repercussions is on the road. It is well established that road users (e.g., drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists) increasingly injure themselves or others due to distractions such as phone use while on the road. Emerging research suggests that MMPU is a possible determinant of this risky behaviour. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the relationship between MMPU and mobile phone use behaviour on the road, as it could help guide and improve interventions aimed at increasing road safety. This systematic review investigated the relationship between maladaptive mobile phone use and mobile phone use behaviour on the road in terms of attitudes and risk perception, intention, phone use engagement, performance changes, and safety outcomes. A total of 44 studies were identified with 47 unique samples of road users, of which 68.1% (32/47) were comprised of drivers, 19.1% (9/47) were pedestrians, 8.5% (4/47) were unspecified road users, and there was one group of motorcyclists and cyclists. Our findings confirmed that MMPU is related to risky behaviour on the roads. In the 29 studies considering observed or self-reported behaviour, 90.9% (30/33) found that road users who scored higher in MMPU are more likely to use their phones on the road as cyclists, drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Of the nine studies that analysed performance changes, 55.6% (5/9) showed evidence that MMPU changes the performance of road users engaging in mobile phone use, meaning that there is evidence suggesting that MMPU determines the level of impairment. Of the nine studies that analysed the safety-related-outcomes, 66.7% (6/9) found that the higher the MMPU score, the more likely road users are to experience safety–critical traffic events. This review contributes to the literature by showing a pathway between the negative health consequences of MMPU and road trauma. We also identified that the quality of the studies was generally low due to study design and blinding aspects. This field of research also lacks standard practices as researchers avoid using established and well-validated questionnaires, often creating new ones to measure MMPU. This hinders the generalisability of the findings and raises questions about the construct validity and external validity of MMPU. The usefulness of future research would be enhanced by a consistent methodological approach using the same scales based on standard behavioural definitions. The cross-disciplinary nature of MMPU effects means that transport and road safety professionals need to work with healthcare professionals and technology organisations to understand and address MMPU as a contributing factor to road crashes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While social networks compose the foundation for digital socialization, the extant body of social media fatigue research primarily focuses on psychological factors. This study proposes a new theoretical model to consider the sociological-level factors of network size and heterogeneity to influence individuals' perceived WeChat fatigue. Based on a national representative sample of 6002 Chinese WeChat adult users, results showed that there existed a significant positive curvilinear relationship between size and WeChat fatigue. That is, size was negatively correlated with fatigue up to a certain point and positively correlated with fatigue beyond that. Furthermore, social overload mediated the non-linear relationship between size and fatigue such that at moderate-to-high levels of size, any addition of new friends increased fatigue through incurred social overload. Moreover, heterogeneity showed a significant negative correlation with fatigue. Lastly, size and heterogeneity led to fatigue feelings mediated via perceptions of fear of missing out (FOMO). Our findings demonstrate the necessity of integrating a social network perspective in examining social media psychology. Practical implications for enhancing social media users' well-being are also discussed from a provider-centered and a user-centered perspective. • WeChat fatigue was widely perceived in a national representative sample of China. • Network size showed a positive curvilinear relationship with WeChat fatigue. • Network heterogeneity was negatively correlated with WeChat fatigue. • Social overload mediates the curvilinear relationship between size and fatigue. • Network size and heterogeneity indirectly increased fatigue mediated through fear of missing out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 4, 2021, a severe technical service failure of Meta (previously Facebook) caused a worldwide "outage" for 6 h. Billions of people, not able to access their social media accounts, experienced different levels of stress. This study took advantage of these unique circumstances to test the stress caused by sudden lack of online access using three main factors: the fear of missing out (FoMO) effect, social media intensity, and demographic factors. In the two days immediately following this event, we conducted an online survey, with 571 adults responding. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, data were collected to explore the emotional experiences and predictors of the stress adults underwent during the social media outage. The content analysis revealed four types of reactions: (1) feeling anxious at first, but then feeling better after realizing the outage was global; (2) having only negative feelings; (3) having only positive feelings and even experiencing a version of the joy of missing out (JoMO); and (4) feeling indifferent. A hierarchical regression indicated that stress can be significantly predicted by FoMO, social media intensity, emotional experience, age, and marital status. In addition, FoMO and intensity were found to be mediators between age and stress. Finally, we found associations between stress and gender and employment, with self-employed women experiencing less stress than men and not self-employed women experiencing more stress than men. The findings are discussed in light of the FoMO vs. JoMO effects, the social comparison theory, and the role of demographic factors in reducing or increasing stress when social media is not available. • This study tested stress caused by the social networks' October 4, 2021 outage. • We used both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the emotional experience. • Content analysis revealed 4 types of reactions, including joy of missing out (JoMO). • FoMO, Internet intensity, age, and marital status were found as predictors of stress. • A significant interaction was found between gender and employment regarding stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of social media platforms has provided researchers with ample opportunities to explore the implications of these platforms' positive and negative use. Focusing on the latter, the literature has highlighted the severe implications of the fear of missing out (FoMO) and its associations with negative aspects of social media use, such as the problematic use of social media, phubbing, and reduced well-being. Our study investigates the association between FoMO and social media fatigue, which is mediated by information and communication overload, online subjective well-being (OSWB), and compulsive social media use (compulsive use). The proposed model is grounded strongly in self-determination theory (SDT), the theory of compensatory Internet use (TCIU), and the limited-capacity model of motivated mediated message processing (LC4MP). We tested the model using two independent cross-sectional data sets collected from Instagram and Snapchat users. Our findings, which align with TCIU, suggest that FoMO is positively associated with information overload and compulsive use for both Instagram and Snapchat users. For Snapchat users, FoMO is also positively associated with communication overload and OSWB. The overuse aspect associated with TCIU is explained in the strong positive associations between FoMO and compulsive use among both Instagram and Snapchat users. In addition, OSWB, information overload, and compulsive use are positively associated with social media fatigue for users of both platforms. In contrast, communication overload significantly predicts social media fatigue for Snapchat users only. • The study investigates the association between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) with social-media fatigue (SMF). • We investigate the mediating roles of different variables, such as overload, well-being, and compulsive use. • We compared data from an under investigated social media platforms, Instagram and Snapchat, finding different results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysed the complex relationship between Facebook usage intensity, fear of missing out (FOMO), and depression. • Examined the moderated mediating effect. • Facebook usage behaviour among Korean university students. This study analysed the complex relationship between Facebook usage intensity, fear of missing out (FOMO), and depression. It examined the moderated mediating effect (conditional indirect effect) of Facebook usage intensity on FOMO-driven depression associated with Facebook usage behaviour among Korean university students. The study conducted an online questionnaire survey of 480 university students in Korea from 15 October to 5 November 2021. The results showed that 1) Facebook usage intensity has a statistically significant and positive impact on depression; 2) there was a partial mediating role of FOMO in the Facebook usage intensity and depression relationship along with the internal influence mechanism of Facebook usage intensity on depression; 3) the effect of Facebook usage behaviour positively moderated the relationship between Facebook usage intensity and FOMO; and 4) Facebook usage behaviour had a FOMO-based positive moderate mediating effect on the relationship between Facebook usage intensity and depression. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Facebook usage intensity, FOMO, depression, and Facebook usage behaviour among Korean university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet addiction, although not recognized by the WHO or the APA, is a serious and problematic pathology. This meta-analysis shows that the incidence of Internet addiction in adults was high in recent years (2017–2020). The effect size returned according to the random effects model is Z = 24.63; SE = 0.205; p =.001. In addition, high heterogeneity is evident in the research addressing this topic (Q = 1240.719, df = 36, p <.001; I2 = 97.09%). On the other hand, the Eggers test indicated an absence of publication bias. The sample consisted of 30 studies with k = 37 samples from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. The total sample was constituted by 21,378 participants (51.22% male, 48.78% women; Mean age = 23.55 years). The statistical analyses of meta-regression and model comparison show a complex problem at the international level, explained by age and sex, and apparently also by geographical area. The results of the systematic review show the increase of internet addiction in the new generations, with other variables playing a relevant role, such as: Increase of individualism, lower sociability and enculturation. We conclude highlighting the need to address this problem from a public health approach. • Internet addiction was explained by age and sex. • There are important cultural differences. • The increase of internet addiction in the new generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that insufficient sleep has long been regarded as a significant public health challenge, the COVID-19 pandemic and its co-evolving infodemic have further aggravated many people's sleep health. People's engagement with pandemic-related news, particularly given that many people are now permanently online via smartphones, has been identified as a critical factor for sleep health, such that public health authorities have recommended limited news exposure. This two-wave panel survey, conducted with a representative sample in Austria during its first COVID-19 lockdown, examines (a) how fear of missing out on pandemic-related news (i.e., COVID-19 information FOMO) is reciprocally related to smartphone-based bedtime news engagement, as well as (b) how both bedtime news engagement and COVID-19 information FOMO predict daytime tiredness. Partial metric measurement invariant structural equation modeling revealed that COVID-19 information FOMO and bedtime news engagement are reciprocally associated over time, indicating a potentially harmful reinforcing loop. However, results further suggested that COVID-19 information FOMO may be the primary driver of daytime tiredness, not smartphone-based bedtime news engagement. These findings suggest that a perceived loss of (informational) control over the pandemic outbreak more strongly than poor sleep habits accounts for depleted energy resources during lockdown. However, given the initial evidence for a reinforcing loop, this effect pattern may change in the long term. • First longitudinal study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 infodemic. • COVID-19 information FOMO and bedtime news engagement may form a reinforcing loop. • Bedtime news engagement via smartphone did not predict daytime tiredness over time. • Perceived loss of informational control may be the key driver of daytime tiredness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global outage of leading social media (SM) platforms on October 4th, 2021, had a significant impact on users all over the world. This paper reports data from a study investigating the role of self-esteem and fear of missing out (FoMO) in explaining women's mood in reaction to the SM outage. The results indicate that both FoMO and self-esteem are linked to mood after interruption of access to SM. Moreover, FoMO fully mediates the relationship between self-esteem and mood in reaction to SM outage. • Self-esteem is negatively related to negative mood in reaction to SOME outage. • FoMO is positively related to negative mood in reaction to SOME outage. • Self-esteem is negatively related to FoMO. • FoMO fully mediates the relationship between self-esteem & reaction to SOME outage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We create and evaluate a self-report measure of Fear of Missing Out (or FoMO). [•] FoMO was associated with lower need satisfaction, mood and life satisfaction. [•] FoMO was robustly linked to higher levels of social media engagement. [•] FoMO mediated links between individual differences and social media engagement. [•] FoMO was associated with distracted driving and use of social media during lectures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We study employee responses to phubbing and fear of missing out. • The stimulus-organism-response framework used as an over-arching theory to ground hypotheses. • Three forms of responses (behavioural, psychological & relational) investigated. • Results support FoMO's association with phubbing and adverse employee responses. • Phubbing does not mediate FoMO's association with employee responses. The penetration of smartphones and the subsequent social media use in modern workplaces have drawn scholars' attention towards studying their influence on employees. This is a nascent yet critical field of study because initial inquiries have confirmed the significant adverse implications of smartphone and social media use for employee well-being and productivity. Acknowledging the need to better explicate the consequences of the so-called 'dark side' of social media use at work, we examine the association of FoMO and phubbing with both psychological (i.e. work exhaustion and creativity) and relational (i.e. workplace incivility) employee outcomes. We tested our proposed hypotheses, which rest on the theoretical tripod of the theory of compensatory Internet use, the limited capacity model and regulatory focus theory, through structural equation modelling (SEM) of data collected from 243 working professionals in the United States (US). The results suggest that FoMO has a positive association with phubbing, which, in turn, is positively associated with both psychological and relational responses. In addition, our analysis reveals the moderation effect of promotion focus on the association between phubbing and creativity. In comparison, we observe no moderation effect for prevention focus on any of the proposed associations. Our findings provide new insights into the impact of smartphone and social media use on employees and offer important implications for theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), or the anxiety of missing out on exciting or interesting events happening, has received substantial attention over the past years, but its associations with age, gender, and personality are less researched. The aim of this work was to investigate these relationships. 3370 German participants completed the 10-item FoMO scale and the 45-item German Big Five Inventory in 2018. The results showed no gender differences in experiencing FoMO. Younger people had higher FoMO scores. Neuroticism domain, its facets, and items robustly positively correlated with FoMO, while Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were negatively associated with FoMO on the domain-level (with small correlations). In addition to Neuroticism, Conscientiousness had consistent negative (yet small) links with FoMO on domain-, facet-, and item-level data. This study contributes to the field by outlining individual differences in FoMO as well as by emphasizing the need to investigate personality-outcome associations on a more detailed level. • There were no gender differences in FoMO. • Higher FoMO scores are associated with younger age. • FoMO was positively associated with Neuroticism. • FoMO was negatively linked to conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and openness. • First exploratory study investigating FoMO's links with Big Five domains, facets and items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young drivers exhibit high levels of risky driving behaviour, including texting while driving (TWD). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of personality (rash impulsivity, reward seeking), fear of missing out (FOMO) and mobile phone involvement (MPI) on frequency of TWD. Six hundred and twelve young drivers aged 17 to 24 years completed an online survey including these measures, and frequency of sending and reading TWD in the prior week. Rash impulsivity and reward seeking, as well as MPI, predicted both modes of TWD, while FOMO only predicted sending. In addition, rash impulsivity, reward seeking and FOMO all had significant indirect effects on sending and reading TWD via MPI. Findings highlight the importance of considering indirect relationships of personality via MPI on phone use while driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergent research suggests that "fear of missing out" (FoMO)-driven nocturnal use of social media may result in sleep disturbances and adversely influence quality of sleep. Previous research in this area primarily focused on adolescents. Therefore, knowledge of these occurrences in young adults is limited. This study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the associations of FoMO, psychological well-being (anxiety, depression), compulsive social media use (CSMU), and sleep hygiene (habits that promote/inhibit sleep) with problematic sleep adults in both academic and employment settings. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to collect data from two cohorts including (i) full-time students (N = 1398), and (ii) full-time working professionals (N = 472). Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling. The results indicated that psychological well-being influences CSMU, which in concurrence with sleep habits, influences the association between FoMO and problematic sleep. Significant differences existed in the strength of the association between CSMU and FoMO between the two cohorts. Interestingly, FoMO is more strongly associated with CSMU among working professionals. This study provides novel insights into the differential effects of CSMU and FoMO on sleep behaviors in young adult students versus working professionals. • This study examined the emergent issue of problematic sleep due to social media use. • tudied associations among "fear of missing out" (FoMO), psychological well-being, compulsive use, and sleep issues. • FoMO was an indirect predictor of problematic sleep in two cohorts of young adults. • Compulsive social media use and sleep hygiene exert differential mediational influences on problematic sleep. • Findings imply the need to create interventions to reduce deleterious impact of social media on sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies, such as smartphones and tablets, can be useful in academic settings by allowing browsing for additional information, organizing the study process online, and facilitating communication between peers and instructors. On the other hand, several recent studies have shown that digital technology use can, in some circumstances, be negatively related to academic outcomes for some individuals. Fear of missing out (FOMO) could be one of these factors causing individual differences in how frequently people receive and react to interruptive notifications (INs). The aim of this study was to investigate how FOMO, the frequency of receiving INs, and stopping current activities due to INs, is associated with a surface approach to learning. Three hundred and sixteen U.S. university students responded to a web survey that included items regarding experiencing FOMO, the frequency of receiving INs and daily activity disruptions due to INs, and surface learning. Results showed that FOMO was associated with daily disrupted activities due to INs and surface learning, but not the frequency of receiving INs. Mediation analysis showed that the association between FOMO and surface learning was mediated by the frequency of daily disrupted activities due to INs. However, the nature of the sample somewhat restricts the generalizability of these results. The findings, their implications, and future directions are discussed. • FOMO relates to disrupted activities from receiving interruptive notifications (INs). • These constructs are also positively associated with surface approach to learning. • INs may be pivotal in the relation between FOMO and surface approach to learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]