A GENDER STUDY ON FOMO AND NOMOPHOBIA CAUSED BY SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Ever since the use of smartphones have increased many social media apps are being used on a daily basis. Access to these apps have many positive uses but also more negative repercussions if not properly used .Two of them are Fear of missing out (FOMO) and Nomophobia which further leads to anxiety and stress among its users. FOMO is a term coined in 2004 which refers to a state where mental tension is aroused among various individuals whenever an exciting event occurs in the fear of being missed out of that moment .This feeling mostly occurs due to excess use of social media. FOMO can be caused due to several reasons such as comparing ourselves to others ,having regrets, low mood and unrealistic relationship goals. Nomophobia is a feeling stating an uneasiness for not having access to many kind of mobile services. This feeling clearly generates when an individual has become addicted to their phones. This has resulted in many health related issues especially for young adults. A sample of 80 young adults (40 male & 40 females) in the age group of 18 to 25 years were taken. Standardized tools were used to measure FOMO and Nomophobia. Results found out that there is significant positive relationship between FOMO and Nomophobia. Strategies such as minimizing screen time on social media apps ,practicing meditation , focusing on real life tasks , focusing on our achievements and goals, being more socially active, keeping a phone on silent mode and turning off cell phones before bedtime can be used to overcome the limitations of FOMO and Nomophobia.