HRPYC81
Project 2 Assignment 4 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND SELF-
ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences of
others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine
whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and whether self-esteem
negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was
used as part of the larger Unisa research project on Fear of Missing Out. Data were
collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire from adults aged 18 years and older who
were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of
Missing Out Scale, loneliness was assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items,
and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and
multiple
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences
of others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out,
loneliness, and self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study
was to determine whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and
whether self-esteem negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-
sectional survey design was used as part of the larger Unisa research project on
Fear of Missing Out. Data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire
from adults aged 18 years and older who were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing
Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale, loneliness was
assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items, and self-esteem was
measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. It was expected that higher
loneliness would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out, while lower self-
esteem would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out. The expected findings
suggest that emotional isolation and weak self-worth are important contributors to
Fear of Missing Out. These results are meaningful in the South African context
because they may help guide mental health interventions, social media awareness
programmes, and emotional well-being support for adults facing increasing digital
social pressure.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Fear of Missing Out has become a growing psychological concern because digital
technology has changed the way people experience social connection. Social media
platforms now allow constant access to updates about other people’s activities,
achievements, and relationships, making it easier for individuals to compare their
own lives with those of others. This repeated exposure increases the possibility of
anxiety about being excluded from rewarding experiences, which is central to Fear of
Missing Out (Przybylski et al., 2013). In South Africa, this issue is especially
important because many adults rely heavily on digital platforms for communication,
belonging, and identity expression, while also facing social pressures linked to
unemployment, inequality, and mental health strain.
Greater knowledge about Fear of Missing Out may help address several current
psychological and social problems in South Africa. Rising levels of loneliness,
emotional distress, anxiety, and low self-worth are affecting many young and
working-age adults, particularly in urban settings where social media use is high
(Mao et al., 2023). Fear of Missing Out may worsen these challenges by increasing
unhealthy social comparison, dissatisfaction, and compulsive digital behaviour.
Understanding these relationships may support the development of better mental
health awareness programmes, prevention strategies in universities and
communities, and healthier social media habits.
This study focuses on the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem. Loneliness is important because socially isolated individuals may
become more sensitive to exclusion, while self-esteem is relevant because
individuals with low self-worth may react more strongly to social comparison (Zhao,
2024). These psychological constructs will be scientifically explored through a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design using standardised measurement scales
to examine their statistical relationships among adults in South Africa.
Project 2 Assignment 4 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND SELF-
ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences of
others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine
whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and whether self-esteem
negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was
used as part of the larger Unisa research project on Fear of Missing Out. Data were
collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire from adults aged 18 years and older who
were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of
Missing Out Scale, loneliness was assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items,
and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and
multiple
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences
of others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out,
loneliness, and self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study
was to determine whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and
whether self-esteem negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-
sectional survey design was used as part of the larger Unisa research project on
Fear of Missing Out. Data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire
from adults aged 18 years and older who were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing
Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale, loneliness was
assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items, and self-esteem was
measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. It was expected that higher
loneliness would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out, while lower self-
esteem would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out. The expected findings
suggest that emotional isolation and weak self-worth are important contributors to
Fear of Missing Out. These results are meaningful in the South African context
because they may help guide mental health interventions, social media awareness
programmes, and emotional well-being support for adults facing increasing digital
social pressure.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Fear of Missing Out has become a growing psychological concern because digital
technology has changed the way people experience social connection. Social media
platforms now allow constant access to updates about other people’s activities,
achievements, and relationships, making it easier for individuals to compare their
own lives with those of others. This repeated exposure increases the possibility of
anxiety about being excluded from rewarding experiences, which is central to Fear of
Missing Out (Przybylski et al., 2013). In South Africa, this issue is especially
important because many adults rely heavily on digital platforms for communication,
belonging, and identity expression, while also facing social pressures linked to
unemployment, inequality, and mental health strain.
Greater knowledge about Fear of Missing Out may help address several current
psychological and social problems in South Africa. Rising levels of loneliness,
emotional distress, anxiety, and low self-worth are affecting many young and
working-age adults, particularly in urban settings where social media use is high
(Mao et al., 2023). Fear of Missing Out may worsen these challenges by increasing
unhealthy social comparison, dissatisfaction, and compulsive digital behaviour.
Understanding these relationships may support the development of better mental
health awareness programmes, prevention strategies in universities and
communities, and healthier social media habits.
This study focuses on the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem. Loneliness is important because socially isolated individuals may
become more sensitive to exclusion, while self-esteem is relevant because
individuals with low self-worth may react more strongly to social comparison (Zhao,
2024). These psychological constructs will be scientifically explored through a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design using standardised measurement scales
to examine their statistical relationships among adults in South Africa.
