The Role of Fear of Missing Out in the Prediction of Internet Addiction Among Adolcsents

One of humanity's most recent and technologically advanced accomplishments is the Internet, which consists of a vast network of various communications. Social media platforms are becoming among the most crucial instruments for communication in our society and throughout the globe. Fear of missing out is a psychological factor that impacts social network usage. This study aimed to establish the link between Internet addiction and fear of missing out among adolescents in Qazvin.

The research population was all secondary school students. Among them, 210 individuals (105 girls and 105 boys) were chosen as the minimal number of samples by convenience sampling. They were examined using fear of missing out (Przybylski et al., 2013) and Internet Addiction questionnaires (Yang, 1998). Statistical correlation and linear regression tests were used to examine the research data.

There was a significant and positive relationship between fear of missing out and Internet addiction, according to a linear regression test (P< 0.1). The standardized coefficient of the relationship between fear of missing out and Internet addiction is also higher in girls than in boys, according to the linear regression test, with a coefficient of 0.293 compared to 0.249. Both coefficients are significant with P<0.01.

Given the significant link between Internet addiction and the fear of failure among teenagers in Qazvin, it is essential to provide them with the relationship and culture necessary to use the Internet properly. Students should also be taught the right way to use the Internet.