,HRPYC81 ASSIGNMENT 4 PROJECT 2 - DUE DATE: 13 OCTOBER 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has become an important psychological phenomenon in
contemporary society because digital communication allows individuals to remain constantly
aware of the activities, experiences and social interactions of other people. FoMO refers to a
persistent concern that other people may be experiencing rewarding events while one is
absent from them, together with a desire to remain continuously connected to what others are
doing (Przybylski et al., 2013). Although social media can provide opportunities for
communication and social connection, frequent exposure to other people's activities may also
increase social comparison, feelings of exclusion and dissatisfaction with one's own life.
The present study examines the relationship between FoMO, loneliness and self-esteem
among adults in South Africa. The study focuses on whether loneliness is positively
associated with FoMO and whether self-esteem is negatively associated with FoMO. A
quantitative, cross-sectional survey design is used as part of a broader research project.
Participants are adults aged 18 years and older who complete an online questionnaire. FoMO
is assessed using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale developed by Przybylski et al.
(2013), loneliness is assessed using selected items from the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and
self-esteem is measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression procedures are appropriate for examining the relationships between the variables.
It is expected that adults experiencing greater loneliness will report higher levels of FoMO,
while adults with higher levels of self-esteem will report lower levels of FoMO. The study is
important because it considers FoMO not simply as a consequence of social media use, but
as a psychological experience that may be connected to people's social and emotional
circumstances. Understanding these relationships may contribute to psychological
, interventions, social-media awareness programmes and strategies aimed at promoting
healthier patterns of social connection and emotional well-being among adults in South
Africa.
INTRODUCTION
Digital communication has changed the way people experience social relationships. Social
networking platforms allow individuals to receive continuous information about the activities,
achievements, social events and personal experiences of others. Although this connectivity
can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for social interaction, it can also create
pressure to remain informed and involved. Individuals may begin to feel that other people are
enjoying experiences without them, which can contribute to the psychological phenomenon
known as Fear of Missing Out.
Przybylski et al. (2013) conceptualise FoMO as a pervasive apprehension that other people
may be having rewarding experiences from which an individual is absent. This experience is
accompanied by a desire to remain continually connected with what others are doing. The
development of the Fear of Missing Out Scale by Przybylski et al. (2013) provided
researchers with a way of measuring FoMO as an individual psychological characteristic
rather than treating it only as a form of social-media behaviour. Their research also
demonstrated associations between FoMO, lower psychological need satisfaction, lower
mood and lower life satisfaction.
The experience of FoMO may be particularly relevant in an environment where social
information is constantly available. Social media makes it possible for people to observe
celebrations, friendships, relationships, achievements, holidays and other rewarding
experiences almost immediately. This creates opportunities for social comparison because
individuals can compare their own lives with highly selective representations of other
people's lives. When individuals believe that others are more socially active, successful or
connected than they are, feelings of inadequacy and exclusion may develop.
Loneliness is another important psychological factor in understanding FoMO. Loneliness
refers to the unpleasant experience that occurs when a person's desired social relationships do
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has become an important psychological phenomenon in
contemporary society because digital communication allows individuals to remain constantly
aware of the activities, experiences and social interactions of other people. FoMO refers to a
persistent concern that other people may be experiencing rewarding events while one is
absent from them, together with a desire to remain continuously connected to what others are
doing (Przybylski et al., 2013). Although social media can provide opportunities for
communication and social connection, frequent exposure to other people's activities may also
increase social comparison, feelings of exclusion and dissatisfaction with one's own life.
The present study examines the relationship between FoMO, loneliness and self-esteem
among adults in South Africa. The study focuses on whether loneliness is positively
associated with FoMO and whether self-esteem is negatively associated with FoMO. A
quantitative, cross-sectional survey design is used as part of a broader research project.
Participants are adults aged 18 years and older who complete an online questionnaire. FoMO
is assessed using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale developed by Przybylski et al.
(2013), loneliness is assessed using selected items from the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and
self-esteem is measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression procedures are appropriate for examining the relationships between the variables.
It is expected that adults experiencing greater loneliness will report higher levels of FoMO,
while adults with higher levels of self-esteem will report lower levels of FoMO. The study is
important because it considers FoMO not simply as a consequence of social media use, but
as a psychological experience that may be connected to people's social and emotional
circumstances. Understanding these relationships may contribute to psychological
, interventions, social-media awareness programmes and strategies aimed at promoting
healthier patterns of social connection and emotional well-being among adults in South
Africa.
INTRODUCTION
Digital communication has changed the way people experience social relationships. Social
networking platforms allow individuals to receive continuous information about the activities,
achievements, social events and personal experiences of others. Although this connectivity
can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for social interaction, it can also create
pressure to remain informed and involved. Individuals may begin to feel that other people are
enjoying experiences without them, which can contribute to the psychological phenomenon
known as Fear of Missing Out.
Przybylski et al. (2013) conceptualise FoMO as a pervasive apprehension that other people
may be having rewarding experiences from which an individual is absent. This experience is
accompanied by a desire to remain continually connected with what others are doing. The
development of the Fear of Missing Out Scale by Przybylski et al. (2013) provided
researchers with a way of measuring FoMO as an individual psychological characteristic
rather than treating it only as a form of social-media behaviour. Their research also
demonstrated associations between FoMO, lower psychological need satisfaction, lower
mood and lower life satisfaction.
The experience of FoMO may be particularly relevant in an environment where social
information is constantly available. Social media makes it possible for people to observe
celebrations, friendships, relationships, achievements, holidays and other rewarding
experiences almost immediately. This creates opportunities for social comparison because
individuals can compare their own lives with highly selective representations of other
people's lives. When individuals believe that others are more socially active, successful or
connected than they are, feelings of inadequacy and exclusion may develop.
Loneliness is another important psychological factor in understanding FoMO. Loneliness
refers to the unpleasant experience that occurs when a person's desired social relationships do
