Examining the Relationship Between Social Media Addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction Among Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study examines the relationships among social media addiction, fear of missing out (FoMO), loneliness, and life satisfaction among young adults. Data were collected from 700 participants aged 18-29 years via an online survey administered between May and June 2024. Validated scales were used to assess key variables: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that life satisfaction was positively associated with loneliness. Social media addiction was strongly associated with FoMO, while FoMO had an indirect negative effect on life satisfaction through social media addiction. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms between social media addiction, FoMO, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Such insights can provide significant implications for developing interventions (e.g., digital well-being programs) to help young adults manage their social media use more effectively. Promoting mindful and balanced social media engagement may contribute to enhancing life satisfaction and overall mental well-being.