The temporal sequence between student problematic internet use, fear of missing out and mental health: A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model

Students seem to be vulnerable for developing problematic internet use (PIU) and mental health problems. There is an association between PIU and mental health, but the direction is unclear. Theory and evidence suggest mental health problems may precede PIU, but PIU may also precede low mental health. Additionally, it is not yet clear if and where Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) fits in the temporal sequence between PIU and mental health problems. With the present study we aimed to 1) examine the longitudinal bidirectional associations between PIU and mental health problems (i.e. depressive symptoms and loneliness), 2) examine the temporal sequence when adding FoMO and 3) explore gender differences in the associations. The Healthy Student Life data provided measurements at three time points in 1.5 years and included 9063 students of a Dutch university (>95 % western, 69.2 % female, aged 15.9–30.8 years at T1; M = 21.6, SD = 2.8) who completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms, loneliness, PIU and FoMO at least once. Using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models, we found that between students, PIU was significantly positively related to depressive symptoms, loneliness, and FoMO. FoMO was significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms and loneliness. Between student, the associations of PIU with loneliness and FoMO were stronger in males than in females. Within students, contrary to our expectations, no significant longitudinal associations were found; changes in PIU were not a precursor, nor a consequence, of changes in mental health or FoMO. Shorter time intervals may be relevant to examine in future research. • Problematic Internet Use (PIU), FoMO and mental health co-occur between students. • The associations of PIU with loneliness and FoMO are stronger in males than females. • Student PIU is not a precursor of mental health or FoMO, nor a consequence. • The study used advanced analyses separating between from within person associations.