Disengaged in the Digital Age: Unraveling the Influence of Boredom Proneness and FoMO on Phubbing Behavior

The increased usage of digital technology, especially smartphones has resulted in emerging behaviors such as phubbing- the preference of using phones rather than face to face interaction and psychological experience such as boredom proneness and fear of missing out (FoMO). The factors are related to aversive consequences for emotional well-being and social relationships. This study aimed at investigating the relationships existing among boredom proneness, FoMO, and phubbing behavior among university students and whether gender moderates their relationship or not. The sample taken in the study was purposive and consisted of 150 university students (75 males and 75 females) with the age range between 18 and 34. Participants responded to self-report measures, such as the Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS), the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMO-S), and the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlations, multiple regression analyses were applied. Results showed a significant positive relationship between boredom proneness and FoMO and phubbing. Both the boredom proneness and the FoMO were significant predictors of the phubbing behavior. In addition, there was more phubbing behavior reported by the females, as compared to the males and the relationships between the psychological factors and phubbing were stronger among females. These results indicate that it may be helpful to counter boredom and FoMO to minimize phubbing behavior and enhance healthier face-to-face interaction in social life.