Bidirectional relationship between FoMO and life satisfaction: the role of self-esteem, friendship quality and gender

Abstract

Previous studies have established a negative association between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and life satisfaction. However, it is unknown if FoMO may decrease life satisfaction or if high life satisfaction may decrease FoMO. Therefore, this longitudinal study investigated the bidirectionality of the relationship between FoMO and life satisfaction among Dutch adolescents. Furthermore, the role of self-esteem, friendship quality and gender were examined. Data from the Digital Youth Project (DiYo) collected in 2016, 2017 and 2018 was used. The sample included 787 adolescents aged between 11 and 16 years old (Mage = 13.15, SD = 0.88). As predicted, results showed that FoMO has a negative effect on adolescents' life satisfaction over time. No bidirectional relationship was found: Adolescents' higher life satisfaction did not predict lower levels of FoMO over time. Moreover, adolescents with higher levels of FoMO had less self-esteem one year later, which seem to result in lower levels of life satisfaction two years later. However, quality of friendships and gender did not impact the relationship between FoMO and life satisfaction. Practical implications are further discussed. Thus, FoMO may lead to a lower life satisfaction and self-esteem can be considered as an important factor to enhance adolescents’ life satisfaction.