Chasing Connection in a Digital World: Navigating Fear of Missing Out, Social Media Usage, the Need for Belongingness, and Cognitive Functioning Among Young Adults
Authors
Riya Dcruz1, Pratima Kaushik2*
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Netaji Subhash University of Technology, India.
2 School of Human Studies, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi, India.
Abstract
Grounded in self-determination theory and uses and gratifications theory, this study aims to explore the relationship between social media–related experiences and psychosocial and cognitive outcomes. The present study explored the association between Social Media usage (SMU), Need to Belong (NTB), Fear of Missing out (FoMO), and Cognitive functioning (CF) among young adults. SMU was assessed using the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), which was employed to capture the intensity and patterns of social media engagement rather than to indicate clinical addiction. The research employed a cross-sectional design and a correlational approach to explore relationships among the variables. The sample consisted of 115 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–24 years. Standardized self-report measures were used in the study, including the FoMO Scale, SMAS, Need to Belong Scale (NTBS), and the Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (CFSAS). Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were calculated to analyze the data. Findings suggested a significant relationship between FoMO, SMU, NTB, and CF. Higher levels of FoMO and greater social media engagement were associated with increased need to belong and greater self-reported cognitive difficulties, validating the initial hypothesis. However, regression analysis showed that variables such as User Thought, Physical Activity, SMU, Mood, and FoMO were only weak predictors of cognitive difficulties. Thereby, FoMO, SMU, NTB, and CF were significantly associated. While FoMO and SMA show notable associations with need for belongingness and cognitive functioning, their association with cognitive functioning appears relatively modest, indicating the need for further research to identify additional contributing factors. The findings contribute to emerging literature by highlighting these associations within an Indian young adult sample while underscoring the need for longitudinal and experimental research.
Keywords: social media usage, fear of missing out, social media addiction, need to belong, cognitive functioning
PAGES:173-192
doi:10.24193/cbb.2026.30.08
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