Problematic Smartphone Use and Problematic Social Media Use: The Predictive Role of Self-Construal and the Mediating Effect of Fear Missing Out.

Rocco Servidio,Beatrix Koronczai,Zsolt Demetrovics,Mark D Griffiths

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.814468

Abstract

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic social media use (PSMU) are two interrelated constructs which have received significant research attention over the past decade. The present study investigated the relationship between self-construal (distinguished as independent and interdependent), PSU and PSMU with Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as a mediating variable. The sample comprised 405 Italian students who completed standardized psychometric scales assessing the variables of the study. Bivariate correlations analysis showed that FoMO and independent self-construal was significantly and negatively associated. On the contrary, interdependent self-construal was significantly and positively associated with FoMO, PSU, and PSMU. Mediation analysis showed that FoMO mediated the relationship between self-construal and both PSMU and PSU, but at different levels. The results demonstrated that FoMO full mediated the relationships between interdependent self and PSU, whereas only partial mediation was found between interdependent self and PSMU. Therefore, taking these personality characteristics into account may help reduce dysfunctional behaviour associated with problematic technology use and promote psychological well-being among students. However, it is recommended that further studies replicate the proposed model by including other psychological constructs.

Highlights

The powerful combination of internet and mobile technologies has increased the risk of new behavioral addictions
The present results suggest that interdependent self-construal was positively related to Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), which in turn was associated with greater problematic social media use (PSMU) and Problematic smartphone use (PSU) [40]
The present study contributes to the literature by testing a mediation model which offers an understanding of the relationships between self-construal, PSMU and PSU, via the mediating role of the FoMO

Summary

Introduction

The powerful combination of internet and mobile technologies has increased the risk of new behavioral addictions. One of these potential behavioral addictions, namely problematic smartphone use (PSU), has emerged as a phenomenon of increased academic concern. It is important to investigate the consequences of excessive use but the predisposing factors and specific use motives, as well as cognitive and affective variables (e.g., expectancies, experienced gratification), leading to the problematic overuse of specific mobile applications [2]. A recent meta-analysis identified specific predictive factors for PSU [(9), for a review]. Among these risk factors, it was found that individuals with a large social network may spend more time on smartphones than others to maintain relationships, increasing the risk of PSU over time

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion