A Systematic Review of Social Media Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Family Influence on Digital Well-Being of Adolescents in the UAE

This study uses the systematic review approach to investigate the relationship between social media-induced Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and the digital well-being of adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a particular focus on the role of family influence. Drawing on peer-reviewed empirical studies, the review synthesizes findings from 36 peer-reviewed studies on how FOMO contributes to heightened anxiety, compulsive digital behaviors, and reduced academic performance. A key aim of this study is to assess the extent to which familial factors—such as parental monitoring, digital communication norms, and household media practices— and cultural factors are addressed in the existing literature. The results reveal that while FOMO is frequently linked to social media overuse and psychological distress, limited research directly examines the moderating or mediating role of the family. Cultural expectations in the UAE further complicate adolescents’ experiences of digital presence and familial obligations. The study identifies critical gaps in the literature where family dynamics remain underexplored, offering directions for future research in family and adolescent well-being. Practical implications include the promotion of mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and parent-based interventions tailored to the sociocultural context of the UAE.