Jessica Toale
My final-year major research project examined the effects of FoMO, age groups, and gender based on social media screen time. Using a cross-sectional between-groups design, data was collected from a sample consisting of both students and older adults. Participants reported their weekly average social media screen time using logged app-based tracking from their smartphone settings and then indicated their FoMO levels using Przybylski et al’s FoMO scale. 99 participants took part in the study (64 female and 34 male) and participants ranged from 18 to 57 years of age. A three-way ANOVA was conducted to analyse the data.
My research study aimed to address a gap in the literature by investigating how social media screen time connects to the experience of fear of missing out (FoMO) across different genders and age groups. While much of the existing research focuses on younger populations, this study explores age-related differences in greater depth.
Overall, the results of my study indicated that there was a significant effect of FoMO on time spent on social media, where higher FoMO scores related to higher social media time. However, no other main or interaction effects were significant. These findings suggest that gender, age, and FoMO together do not significantly impact time spent on social media. The significant effect of FoMO supports previous literature, reinforcing the self-determination framework for understanding FoMO. Some limitations of the study include differences in how smartphone operating systems (Android/iOS) record social media screen time. Future research could explore qualitative approaches to understand the complexity between FoMO and social media use, particularly in understanding the motivations of individuals who use social media and their experiences of FoMO.
Hello, my name is Jessica Toale. I am a soon-to-be graduate of the BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology course at IADT, specialising in the technology pathway. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege to learn and experience a diverse range of interesting modules, where I have developed a keen interest in Cyberpsychology, User-Experience Research, and Developmental Psychology. In the near future, I plan to focus on gaining valuable work experience in the field, with the goal of pursuing a Master’s degree at a later stage to further deepen my expertise.
