Author: Shamna Sherin.O, Sahla Fathima MT & Sreekavya M
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04042003
Abstract: Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is a widely used contemporary term defined as a pervasive apprehension that others may be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent .FoMO has become increasingly prevalent among youth populations, and research indicates that higher levels are associated with adverse psychological outcomes. Social Comparison Orientation (SCO), conceptualised within Social Comparison Theory refers to an individual’s tendency to evaluate abilities, opinions, and life situations by comparing with others. Although social comparison is natural, excessive engagement may negatively affect psychological well-being. The present study investigates the relationship between FoMO and SCO among college students.
Using a correlational research design, data were collected from a sample of 120 college students aged 18 to 23 years. The participants were recruited from the Thaloor region of the Nilgiris district. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) was assessed using the Fear of Missing Out Scale, while Social Comparison Orientation (SCO) was measured using the Iowa–Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM).
The findings indicate that students with higher Social Comparison Orientation (SCO) reported higher Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). Gender analysis showed females scored slightly higher on both variables. The positive association suggests potential implications for college students’ psychological well-being.
Keywords: Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), Social Comparison Orientation (SCO), Psychological Well-Being, College Students.
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