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

Samira Heydariasl ¹ , nasrin Darvishi ² , Narges Darvishi ^{3 *}

1 -
2 - PhD Student in Sociology, majoring in Social Issues, Dehaghan Azad University
3 - Islamic Azad University, Omidieh Branch

Received: 2025-03-16 Accepted : 2025-08-19 Published : 2025-08-21

Keywords: Keywords : FoMO, social media, life satisfaction, social isolation, relative deprivation , Living in the digital world, participating in social media,

Abstract :

This study undertakes a rigorous and systematic sociological analysis of the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) within the digital lifeworld of social media users in Ahvaz, Iran. The target population encompasses all residents of Ahvaz aged 15 and above, with a sample size of 459 participants determined using the advanced Sample Power tool to facilitate Pearson correlation analysis. Data were gathered in 2023 through quota sampling, adhering steadfastly to scientific principles, and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings reveal significant associations between FoMO and variables such as social isolation, relative deprivation, social media engagement, life satisfaction, gender, age, and employment status. Structural modeling indicates that social media engagement (β = 0.71), life satisfaction (β = -0.21), and relative deprivation (β = 0.17) exhibit stronger correlations with the FoMO construct, while social isolation (β = 0.13) demonstrates a comparatively weaker association. These results not only illuminate the hidden complexities of the digital lifeworld but also underscore the urgent need for a profound reconsideration of users’ lived experiences amid the social dynamics of the digital age. Keywords: FoMO, social media, social satisfaction, social isolation, relative deprivation

Utilizing a survey methodology, data were collected via a rigorously validated questionnaire from a population comprising all Ahvaz residents aged 15 and older. Data, collected in 2023 through quota sampling with strict adherence to scientific standards, were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Findings indicate statistically significant relationships between FoMO and variables such as social isolation, relative deprivation, social media engagement, life satisfaction, gender, age, and employment status. Structural equation modeling reveals that social media engagement (β = 0.71), life satisfaction (β = -0.21), and relative deprivation (β = 0.17) exhibit the strongest correlations with FoMO, whereas social isolation (β = 0.13) demonstrates a weaker association.These findings highlight the intricate dynamics of the digital lifeworld ’ .

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