Impact of FOMO on NOMO Phobia and Internet Addiction

Abstract

The current research examined the effect of fear of missing out (FOMO) on nomophobia (NOMO) and internet addiction among 300 university students aged 18–26 from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Results, as rated on standardized scales, revealed a positive relationship among FOMO, NOMO, and internet addiction. FOMO influenced NOMO to a moderate degree, and internet addiction significantly. Although FOMO was not different between genders, NOMO and internet addiction were higher in males. These results point to the importance of FOMO in digital dependency and the necessity for interventions such as digital detox and mindfulness programs. Longitudinal and intervention-based studies should be pursued in the future.