Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) As A Predictor Of Smartphone Addiction Among School Students

Abstract

The excessive use of smartphones among adolescents has transmuted patterns of communication, learning, and social interaction. While smartphones provide numerous advantages, excessive usage has led to behavioural concerns such as smartphone addiction. One psychological factor that has gained attention in recent years is the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), defined as a pervasive anxiety that others may be experiencing rewarding events without one's participation. Adolescents, who are particularly sensitive to peer interaction and social belonging, may frequently engage with smartphones to remain updated with social activities. The present study investigates whether FOMO predicts smartphone addiction among school students. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to secondary school students. Standardized scales measuring FOMO and smartphone addiction were used for data collection. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were applied to examine the relationship between the variables.

The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between FOMO and smartphone addiction. Students with higher levels of FOMO tend to demonstrate stronger tendencies toward compulsive smartphone usage. The study highlights the importance of understanding psychological motivations behind excessive smartphone engagement and suggests that educational interventions focusing on digital well-being may help reduce problematic technology use among adolescents.