Fear of Missing Out and Executive Functions: The Role of Self-regulation as a Mediator

The fear of missing out (FoMO) is characterised by constant worry about missing out on rewarding experiences. However, the worry arising from FoMO affects both self-regulation and executive functioning.

The main purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between FoMO and executive functioning, keeping self-regulation as the mediating variable.

A cross-sectional correlational design was used. The sample size was 455 university students with an age range of 18-24 years. The Fear of Missing Out Scale, Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire and Executive Skills Questionnaire were used. Regression analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v26, and mediation analysis results were obtained through PROCESS Macro (Model 4).

Regression results pointed out that FoMO explained 18% of variance in executive functioning (β = -0.43, p < .001) and 16% of variance in self-regulation (β = -0.39, p < .001). Higher FoMO was related to poorer self-regulation and executive functions. Mediation analysis revealed that self-regulation partially mediated the FoMO-executive functioning relationship, with significant indirect effects (B = -0.66, SE = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.52]) and direct effects (B = -0.83, SE = 0.13, 95% CI [-1.10, -0.56]).

FoMO negatively affects both self-regulation and executive functions, with self-regulation acting as a significant mediator through both direct and indirect pathways. These findings suggest the need for building self-regulatory skills to protect oneself from FoMO's negative effects.