Predicting the Addiction to Social Media in Adolescents: Examining the Role Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Phubbing Behavior, and Attachment with Parents

Abstract

This research is aimed to investigate relationship between Fear of Missing Out, Phubbing Behavior, Parental Attachment and Social Media Addiction in Adolescents. The research design used was Correlational Research Design. The sample consisted of N=200 with age range of 14-19 years (M=17.35, SD=1.14) including both male and female. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be relationship among Fear of Missing Out (Trait and State), Phubbing Behavior, Parental Attachment (Angry distress, Goal-Corrected Partnership and Availability) and Social Media Addiction. Secondly, Fear of Missing Out (Trait and State), Phubbing Behavior and Parental Attachment (Angry Distress, Goal-Corrected Partnership and Availability) are likely to predict Social Media Addiction. Parental Attachment (Angry Distress, Goal-corrected Partnership and Availability) is likely to moderate relationship between Fear of Missing Out (Trait and State) and Social Media Addiction and between Phubbing Behavior and Social Media Addiction as well. It was found that Trait FoMO, State FoMO, Phubbing behavior and Angry-distress were positively correlated with Social Media Addiction. State-FoMO, Phubbing Behavior and Angry Distress predicted Social Media Addiction. However, Parental Attachment (Angry Distress, Goal-corrected Partnership and Availability) did not moderate the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (Trait and State) and Social Media Addiction and between Phubbing Behavior and Social Media Addiction This research may add to indigenous literature, helpful in counselling settings i.e. managing social media addiction of adolescents and addressing attachment issues between adolescents and their parents.