Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Social Sciences and Humanities Open, cilt.10, 2024 (Scopus)
Objectives: Social media addiction (SMA) contributes to significant challenges for the well-being and mental health of young adults, placing a heavy burden on both mental and educational resources. While the association between fear of missing out (FoMO) and SMA is established, the mechanisms by which FoMO influences SMA in young adults remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate a serial mediating effect of self-control and responsibility in the relationship between FoMO and SMA among undergraduate students. Sample and settings: A cross-sectional study was conducted comprising 256 Turkish Muslim university students (80% female), aged 18–30 years (M = 20.31 years; SD = 2.29). An online survey was used, including the following questionnaires: Fear of Missing Out Scale, Bengen Social Media Addiction, and Self-discipline Scale. Results: Findings indicated that FoMO directly influenced SMA through three significant mediation pathways: (i) through self-control; (ii) through responsibility; and (iii) through both self-control and responsibility. Overall, FoMO was significantly associated with SMA, with self-control and responsibility acting as serial mediators in this relationship. Conclusions: Improving the self-control and responsibility of young adults may prevent or reduce the effect of FoMO on SMA. Therefore, it is crucial to develop students’ self-control and responsibility skills to manage FoMO and SMA risks effectively. The study highlights the importance of awareness-raising programs and psychoeducation to assist students in establishing healthy boundaries for digital media use. It provides valuable insights for tailored interventions and support strategies in the context of social media use among university students.