Are Loneliness and Fear of Missing Out Linked to Social Media Addiction? Insights From a Cross‐Sectional Study Among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing trend of social media (SM) use in Saudi Arabia, few studies have examined the prevalence of social media addiction (SMA) and its psychological correlates, including loneliness and fear of missing out (FoMO), particularly among young adults. The purposes of this investigation were to: (i) assess the prevalence of SMA among Saudi young adults and (ii) evaluate how loneliness and FoMO are correlated to SMA. METHODS: Data for cross-sectional study were obtained from students, representing young adults, enrolled in three public universities in Saudi Arabia. Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) and Fear of Missing Out Scale were utilized to assess SMA, loneliness and FoMO, respectively. Linear regression models were applied to explore the predictors of SMA. RESULTS: = 0.804), the mean SMA score increased by 0.90 and 0.28 units for every unit increase in loneliness (regression coefficient, β = 0.90, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.86-0.94, p < 0.001) and FoMO (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.17-0.49, p < 0.018) scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness and FoMO were significant predictors of SMA. These findings can benefit policymakers in developing and implementing public health policies related to SM use and psychological well-being in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Brain and Behavior
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71137
Authors: Mohannad A. Alzain, Ahmed K. Shukri, Abdullah Ahmed Qahti, Abdulaziz Hassan Abdullah Alali, Mohammed R. Algethami, Najim Z. Alshahrani
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,630
Funder: King Abdulaziz University
OpenAlex ID: W4417458306