Social Media Use and Fear of Missing out: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Junior High Students from Western Mexico.

Background/objectives: The increased use of social media in Mexico has given rise to the "fear of missing out" (FoMO) phenomenon, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to measure the extent of FoMO among junior high school students in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study explored the association between FoMO levels and demographic characteristics, as well as the type and frequency of social media use.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in four junior high schools. A total of 1264 students (656 females and 608 males) aged 11-16 years completed the Fear of Missing Out Scale, adapted to the Mexican context. Data on demographics, social media usage, and school shifts were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients.

Results: The mean FoMO score was 1.79 ± 0.64, with higher scores observed in females (p < 0.001) and students attending morning shifts (p = 0.001). Significant associations were found between higher FoMO scores and the use of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest (p < 0.001 for each). The most frequently used social media platforms were WhatsApp (1093), TikTok (828), and Instagram (583). Participants who used social media all week exhibited significantly higher FoMO scores than those who used it only on weekends (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: FoMO is a significant phenomenon among junior high school students in Guadalajara, Mexico, particularly among females and those who use multiple social media platforms. The findings suggest a need for interventions to manage social media use and mitigate FoMO-related negative health outcomes in this population.