Mental Health in a Digital World: How Problematic Cell Phone Use and Personality Predict Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) in Gen Z University Students from Türkiye and the U.S.

Objective: The authors sought to examine the association between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), mental health, personality traits, and social media use among Turkish and U.S. university students, belonging to Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1997 and 2012, a cohort deeply immersed in technology and social media from an early age. Methods: The present online survey study included 637 university students aged 18-25 (20.09% male, 78.65% female, 1.26% other) from Türkiye (86.03%) and the US (14.97%). Participants completed 19 sociodemographic questions, a 17-item FoMO Scale, and a 44-item Personality Inventory. The study analyzed the relationship between FoMO, mental health, personality traits, and social media use across different platforms. Results: Findings revealed that frequent cell phone use and higher FoMO scores were significantly associated with problematic social media use. TikTok users reported higher FoMO compared to non-users. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the number of social media platforms used and FoMO. Social media use driven by boredom and passive observation further increased FoMO. Associations between FoMO and personality traits highlighted the role of individual differences in social media behaviors. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for tailored interventions that address both social media usage patterns and personality traits to reduce the negative impact of FoMO on mental health. While Gen Z are digital natives, they need to become digital experts to navigate the mental health challenges exacerbated by curated content and the prevalence of FoMO on social media. Universities play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting students in managing these psychological pressures by promoting balanced digital behaviors. A deeper understanding of the interplay between digital behaviors, personality traits, and cultural contexts can inform future interventions aimed at reducing FoMO and enhancing the well-being of young people in an increasingly interconnected world.