270 - DATING APPS INDUCED FEAR OF MISSING OUT AND ITS EFFECTS ON PHUBBING AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Session: D03S001 - Development in Digital Contexts 1
AUTHORS:
Dimitrova Borislava (Webster Vienna Private University ~ Vienna ~ Austria) , Kepir-Sávoly Didem (Webster Vienna Private University ~ Vienna ~ Austria)
Abstract text:
The widespread use of online dating applications among young adults has introduced new paradigms of social interaction which raise questions regarding their psychological and behavioral implications. This study examines the construct of dating app-induced Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and its relationship with phubbing behavior, defined as the act of ignoring one's immediate social environment in favor of smartphone use. The study addressed two main questions:1) How is dating app use associated with FoMO? 2) To what extent do problematic dating app use and FoMO predict phubbing? In the literature, these phenomena seem to share potential negative consequences, including information overload, craving for more rewarding experiences, and decision fatigue due to the abundance of available options. Using quantitative analyses, key relationships were examined and some of the consequences of such behaviors were explored. Data was gathered using the Problematic Online Dating Apps Use Scale, the Fear of missing Out Scale and the Generic Scale of Phubbing along with a demographic questionnaire. The results from the 172 respondents (18-26 years old) showed that dating app use is positively associated with FoMO with current users reporting significantly higher levels than non-users (p=.33). A moderate positive association between problematic dating app use and FoMO (r=.428,p<.01) was tested while no significant correlation found between problematic dating app use and phubbing (r=.212,p=.135). Although significant relationships were found between FoMO and phubbing, the current study did not secure such between problematic dating apps use as a moderating factor to the relationship between FoMO and phubbing. This study contributes to understanding the nuanced psychological impacts of dating apps on other social phenomena and aims to promote healthy use among young adults. Future research might consider longitudinal approaches to explore the evolving influence of dating apps induced FoMO phenomenon and to examine the direction of such a relationship.