A Study on Social Media Use and Fear of Missing Out

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between social media use, motivations, and fear of missing out (FOMO) among Taiwanese citizens. In recent years, the number of social media users has significantly increased, and social media platforms have become popular venues for interaction. As a result, scholars are increasingly investigating the negative impacts associated with social media use. FOMO is defined as a common state of anxiety characterized by a desire to maintain continuous contact with others or to gain attention from others during interactions.

Method: The study subjects were Taiwanese adults aged 18 and above, and a convenience sampling method was used to conduct an online survey. A total of 282 valid responses were collected, including 110 males and 172 females. SAS statistical software was used for data analysis, including descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis.

Results: Among demographic variables, age and student status are related to entertainment-driven motivation but not to social or instrumental motivations; gender and education level are not related to social, entertainment, or instrumental motivations. There is no correlation between the motivations for using social media and the duration of its use; the duration of social media use is also unrelated to fear of missing out (FOMO). Multiple regression analysis shows that the motivations for using social media are related to FOMO. Higher social and entertainment motivations are associated with higher FOMO scores. Additionally, full-time students have higher average FOMO scores.

Conclusion: Younger individuals (over 18 years old) or student groups have higher entertainment-driven motivations. The most commonly used social media platform today is Line. The type of social media platform used by the subjects varies according to their motivations. Subjects with stronger social motivations are more likely to use Line and TikTok, while those with stronger instrumental and entertainment motivations are more likely to use Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Students, as well as individuals with higher social or entertainment motivations, are more likely to experience FOMO.