The Moderating Role of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) in the Relationship Between Impulsiveness and Problematic Smartphone Usage

Abstract

Problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and smartphone addiction are increasing every day. Although the relationship between impulsiveness and PSU has been widely investigated, knowledge on the development of PSU and its relation with other variables such as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is limited. Therefore, a moderation model was created in this study to evaluate the relationship between PSU, impulsiveness, and FoMO. The study sample was composed of 684 students studying at four different state universities in Türkiye. Data was gathered with a demographic information form, FoMO Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Short-Form, and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short-Form. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship among the variables. The results showed that PSU was positively correlated with FoMO and impulsiveness. Moderation analysis indicated that the relationship between impulsiveness and PSU was moderated by FoMO, suggesting that PSU is not influenced solely by impulsiveness; rather, FoMO is a moderator variable in the relationship.