The Relationship Between Social Networking Sites Use And Fear Of Missing Out: A Correlational Analysis Among Young Adults In Shimla

Abstract

In the present scenario, the advent of Social Networking Sites (SNS) has brought a drastic change in modern communication in relation to how we connect, interact, collaborate, and share information across the globe. This has led to the emergence of a completely new phenomenon, termed the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), where one feels that others are having a better and more pleasurable experience, which they are missing, leading to the experience of “missing out”. In today’s era, social networking sites have become a very integral part of the youth's lives, bringing a noticeable change in the way they communicate and express themselves. It is evident that these networking platforms offer numerous benefits, yet raise concerns about the potential negative impact on the psychological well-being of their users. This study investigates the relationship between social networking sites and fear of missing out among adults in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The study used standard questionnaires to collect information from 500 young adults selected through convenience sampling in a detailed research plan with statistical analysis. This approach helped to further examine the topic itself through systematic data collection. The results further showed a significant positive correlation between social networking sites usage and the experience of FoMO among young adult males and females. As per the results, young adults experience more FoMO due to high social media use, where female young adults experience higher FoMO compared to young adult males. Thus, social media platforms surely induce fear of missing out among young people and hamper their psychological well-being. Moreover, controlling social media usage can help reduce these negative effects on psychological well-being.