Virtual Kindness, Real-Life Indifference: The Effect of Fear of Missing Out and Social Media Use on Youth's Phubbing and Online Prosocial Behavior

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Realities of SEL Technology Integration and Usage (Table 10)

Abstract

This study proposes a modal and examines the complex dynamics between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), and social behaviors such as phubbing and online prosocial behaviors among high school and college students. Using a hypothetical model, the research examines how FoMO and PSMU influence both real-life and online interactions across age groups. The results show consistent effects of FoMO on PSMU and phubbing, but highlight a divergence in online prosocial behaviors, with college students engaging more positively online compared to high school students. These findings highlight the need for age-appropriate educational strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social media while promoting its benefits and fostering a better educational environment.

Authors

• Jie Luo, University of Connecticut

• Gen Li, University of South Florida