Who are more vulnerable to FoMO? Predictors and moderators of FoMO among Dutch adolescents

Abstract Fear of missing out (FoMO) has been recognized as a core factor contributing to problematic behaviors in adolescents. Yet little is known about what predicts FoMO and who is more vulnerable to it. Using two annual waves of longitudinal data from Dutch adolescents aged 11 to 17 years ( n = 2,612, M age = 13.94, 47% girls), this study examined the predictive roles of mental and social well-being, self-control, and self-value, social media use intensity and gender included as potential moderators. Results indicated that lower mental well-being, lower perceived social competence, and higher levels of narcissism predicted higher FoMO, regardless of social media use intensity levels or gender. These findings highlight key psychological and social predictors of adolescent FoMO.