A Study on Nomophobia, Fear of Missing Out, Emotional regulation among GenZ and Millennials

Abstract

Phones are designed in a way that it keeps us hook engaged into the screens for hours without realizing, the sound of constant notifications makes us feel connected yet unknowingly trapped. For GenZ and Millennials, the boundaries between online and offline is almost blurred, giving rise to nomophobia ( fear of being without phone one’s phone ) and fear of missing out. What began as a source of connection has evolved into a cause of anxiety and decreased emotional regulation. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between nomophobia, fear of missing out (FOMO) and emotional regulation among GenZ and Millennials, a total of 60 sample (30 gen z and 30 millennials). The data was collected using standardized scales of nomophobia, fear of missing out and emotional regulation. Significant positive relationship was found between nomophobia and FOMO , expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal, FOMO and expressive suppression. However, nomophobia showed a negative but non-significant correlation with cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. GenZ individuals reported higher nomophobia and fear of missing out than millennials. The study draws attention to lack of boundaries in online and offline world. This highlights the importance of digital detox and mindfulness, particularly for Gen Z, as well as enhancing emotional regulation for both Gen Z and millennials.