The mediating role of fear of missing out (FOMO) in the relationship between social media addiction (SMA), social comparison, and psychological well-being (PWB)

Kuek, Yhen Chyi Phoebe and Teh, Zi Ying and Yeoh, E-Kai (2025) The mediating role of fear of missing out (FOMO) in the relationship between social media addiction (SMA), social comparison, and psychological well-being (PWB). Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Fear of missing out (FoMO) has frequently been conceptualized as a cause of poor mental health, but emerging evidence suggests its role in promoting social engagement, leading to positive outcomes. Social media addiction (SMA) and social comparison have been associated with negative psychological outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. The current research investigates the mediating role of FoMO in the associations between SMA, social comparison, and psychological well-being (PWB). A total of 329 Malaysian university students were recruited through non-probability sampling methods and completed self-reported questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. The study hypothesized SMA and social comparison to act as negative predictors of PWB, while FoMO as a positive predictor of PWB. Based on the findings, results suggest no significant associations between SMA and social comparison with PWB; but revealed that FoMO positively predicts PWB. The study implemented PROCESS macro by Hayes to conduct the mediation analysis, indicating indirect-only mediation effects of FoMO in the relationships between SMA and PWB, and social comparison and PWB. The findings of the study identified the mediating role of FoMO, highlighting its dual role as both a risk factor and potential social drive. The study provides practical implications for mental health interventions and digital literacy programmes, suggesting practitioners to focus on managing FoMO to foster healthier digital engagement. Future studies may recruit more diverse samples and incorporate alternative instruments to provide a more comprehensive view of the mediating role of FoMO within other variables.

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