The Cost of Connectivity: Exploring the Impact of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Bedtime Procrastination Among Young Adults

This study sought to explore the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Bedtime Procrastination in young adults. The study included 356 participants from all gender groups and within the age range of 18–25 years (M=173, F=183), selected through stratified convenience sampling method. This was a quantitative correlational study that used reliable, valid, and well-established scales; the Bedtime Procrastination Scale developed by Kroese et al. (2014) and the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FOMO) by Przybylski et al. (2013), to assess the findings and effects on both gender adults. Pearson Correlation and Independent sample t-test were applied to examine relationship between the study variables. The study findings suggest that there is no significant Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) found when experiencing Bedtime Procrastination in participants (r = .082, p ˂ .01). However, the results indicated a similar pattern for both genders, with no significant gender differences observed. Overall, the results suggest that male and female young adults demonstrate comparable levels of FOMO and Bedtime Procrastination. These findings suggest that FOMO and bedtime delay behaviors are not significantly associated among young adults. It was expected that the results would provide insight into how peer group influence affects the younger generation and how FOMO contributes to bedtime procrastination through engagement with emerging trends. This study aimed to help educational policymakers, mental health professionals, and institutions in designing strategies and methodologies to address psychological concerns associated with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).