A multidimensional view of fear of missing out as a mediator between the need to belong and problematic smartphone use

Abstract

Previous research has supported a multidimensional structure to conceptualize the fear of missing out. The present study investigates how does FOMO, conceptualized using a two-factor structure, mediate the relationship between the need to belong and problematic smartphone use. Malaysian undergraduates (N = 149) aged between 18 and 25 years old completed questionnaires on the need to belong, fear of missing out components, and problematic smartphone use. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the validity of the two-factor fear of missing out structure, and a structural model was developed. The findings supported the applicability of the two-factor structure. Next, findings revealed that the need to belong positively predicted one's fears about missing out on rewarding experiences, followed by predicting one's ruminative thoughts about missing out and control strategies to avoid missing out, thus influencing the decision to avoid missing out. However, having a higher need to belong, stronger fears about missing out on rewarding experiences, and a stronger decision to avoid missing out did not predict problematic smartphone use. Future studies should consider investigating the intermediary role of FOMO using a multidimensional conceptualization to explain problematic smartphone use, and consider objective smartphone use measures when assessing smartphone use behaviors.