Sociological Analysis of FoMO in the Digital Lifeworld:Structural Modeling of Social and Psychological Effects on Social Media Users in Ahvaz

Subject Areas : Social Sciences Quarterly

narges darvishi ¹ , Samira Heydariasl ² , NASRIN DARVISHI ³

1 - (Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Om.c., Islamic Azad University, Omidieh, Iran.) (Corresponding Author)
2 - Social science,university dehaghan,Ugandan,iran
3 - Secretary of the Education Organization of Khuzestan Province

Received: 2025-08-28 Accepted : 2025-08-28 Published : 2025-09-06

Keywords: FoMO, social media, life satisfaction, social isolation, relative deprivation, Digital lifeworld, modeling. ,

Abstract :

 

This study offers an in-depth sociological examination of the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) within the digital lifeworld of social media users in Ahvaz, Iran. Drawing upon well-established sociological and psychological frameworks, including social comparison theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-determination theory, and social capital, this research establishes a comprehensive foundation for understanding FoMO as a complex and socially constructed phenomenon in the digital sphere. These theoretical lenses guide the formulation of precise hypotheses to investigate the psychological and sociocultural determinants of FoMO in contemporary digital spaces.

The study employs a robust survey methodology, utilizing a carefully validated questionnaire to gather data from a representative sample of 459 participants, selected from a population of over 1.2 million residents of Ahvaz aged 15 and older. The sample size was calculated using Sample Power software, ensuring statistical robustness for conducting Pearson correlation analysis. Data collection occurred in 2023 through quota sampling, adhering rigorously to scientific standards. The data were then analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software to evaluate the relationships between various variables.

The findings reveal significant associations between FoMO and a range of socio-demographic and psychological variables, including social isolation, relative deprivation, social media engagement, life satisfaction, gender, age, and employment status. Structural equation modeling (SEM) shows that social media engagement (β = 0.71), life satisfaction (β = -0.21), and relative deprivation (β = 0.17) exhibit the strongest correlations with FoMO, while social isolation (β = 0.13) shows a relatively weaker association.

 findings underscore the intricate dynamics of the digital lifeworld and highlight the urgent need for sociological reflection on the impact of digital engagement on individuals' mental and social well-being. The study emphasizes the growing importance of understanding the role of digital interactions in shaping contemporary social behavior and individual identities in the digital era

 

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