Unpacking the theoretical role of fear of missing out in the relationship between social networking intensity and well-being among Indian college students

The study highlights that the psychological effects of social networking cannot be reduced to usage time alone but are shaped by reciprocal interactions between emotional experiences and digital behaviors. Interventions should focus on digital literacy, resilience to social comparison, and balanced online engagement. Recognizing the possibility of this feedback loop is critical for designing effective campus-based mental health strategies in India and beyond.