HRPYC81
PROJECT 2: The Fear of Missing Out
Assignment 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND SELF-
ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences of
others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine
whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and whether self-esteem
negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was
used as part of the larger Unisa research project on Fear of Missing Out. Data were
collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire from adults aged 18 years and older who
were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of
Missing Out Scale, loneliness was assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items,
and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences
of others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out,
loneliness, and self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study
was to determine whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and
whether self-esteem negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-
sectional survey design was used as part of the larger Unisa research project on
Fear of Missing Out. Data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire
from adults aged 18 years and older who were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing
Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale, loneliness was
assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items, and self-esteem was
measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. It was expected that higher
loneliness would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out, while lower self-
esteem would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out. The expected findings
suggest that emotional isolation and weak self-worth are important contributors to
Fear of Missing Out. These results are meaningful in the South African context
because they may help guide mental health interventions, social media awareness
programmes, and emotional well-being support for adults facing increasing digital
social pressure.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Fear of Missing Out has become a growing psychological concern because digital
technology has changed the way people experience social connection. Social media
platforms now allow constant access to updates about other people’s activities,
achievements, and relationships, making it easier for individuals to compare their
own lives with those of others. This repeated exposure increases the possibility of
anxiety about being excluded from rewarding experiences, which is central to Fear of
Missing Out (Przybylski et al., 2013). In South Africa, this issue is especially
important because many adults rely heavily on digital platforms for communication,
belonging, and identity expression, while also facing social pressures linked to
unemployment, inequality, and mental health strain.
Greater knowledge about Fear of Missing Out may help address several current
psychological and social problems in South Africa. Rising levels of loneliness,
emotional distress, anxiety, and low self-worth are affecting many young and
working-age adults, particularly in urban settings where social media use is high
(Mao et al., 2023). Fear of Missing Out may worsen these challenges by increasing
unhealthy social comparison, dissatisfaction, and compulsive digital behaviour.
Understanding these relationships may support the development of better mental
health awareness programmes, prevention strategies in universities and
communities, and healthier social media habits.
This study focuses on the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem. Loneliness is important because socially isolated individuals may
become more sensitive to exclusion, while self-esteem is relevant because
individuals with low self-worth may react more strongly to social comparison (Zhao,
2024). These psychological constructs will be scientifically explored through a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design using standardised measurement scales
to examine their statistical relationships among adults in South Africa.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
PROJECT 2: The Fear of Missing Out
Assignment 4 RESEARCH REPORT 2026
Due Date: 2026
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND SELF-
ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences of
others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine
whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and whether self-esteem
negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was
used as part of the larger Unisa research project on Fear of Missing Out. Data were
collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire from adults aged 18 years and older who
were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of
Missing Out Scale, loneliness was assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items,
and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEAR OF MISSING OUT, LONELINESS, AND
SELF-ESTEEM AMONG ADULTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ABSTRACT
Fear of Missing Out has become an important psychological issue in modern society
because digital communication exposes people constantly to the social experiences
of others. This study examined the relationship between Fear of Missing Out,
loneliness, and self-esteem among adults in South Africa. The purpose of the study
was to determine whether loneliness positively predicts Fear of Missing Out and
whether self-esteem negatively predicts Fear of Missing Out. A quantitative cross-
sectional survey design was used as part of the larger Unisa research project on
Fear of Missing Out. Data were collected through an online Qualtrics questionnaire
from adults aged 18 years and older who were not Unisa students. Fear of Missing
Out was measured using the 10-item Fear of Missing Out Scale, loneliness was
assessed using selected UCLA Loneliness Scale items, and self-esteem was
measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and multiple
regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. It was expected that higher
loneliness would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out, while lower self-
esteem would be associated with higher Fear of Missing Out. The expected findings
suggest that emotional isolation and weak self-worth are important contributors to
Fear of Missing Out. These results are meaningful in the South African context
because they may help guide mental health interventions, social media awareness
programmes, and emotional well-being support for adults facing increasing digital
social pressure.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
1. INTRODUCTION
Fear of Missing Out has become a growing psychological concern because digital
technology has changed the way people experience social connection. Social media
platforms now allow constant access to updates about other people’s activities,
achievements, and relationships, making it easier for individuals to compare their
own lives with those of others. This repeated exposure increases the possibility of
anxiety about being excluded from rewarding experiences, which is central to Fear of
Missing Out (Przybylski et al., 2013). In South Africa, this issue is especially
important because many adults rely heavily on digital platforms for communication,
belonging, and identity expression, while also facing social pressures linked to
unemployment, inequality, and mental health strain.
Greater knowledge about Fear of Missing Out may help address several current
psychological and social problems in South Africa. Rising levels of loneliness,
emotional distress, anxiety, and low self-worth are affecting many young and
working-age adults, particularly in urban settings where social media use is high
(Mao et al., 2023). Fear of Missing Out may worsen these challenges by increasing
unhealthy social comparison, dissatisfaction, and compulsive digital behaviour.
Understanding these relationships may support the development of better mental
health awareness programmes, prevention strategies in universities and
communities, and healthier social media habits.
This study focuses on the relationship between Fear of Missing Out, loneliness, and
self-esteem. Loneliness is important because socially isolated individuals may
become more sensitive to exclusion, while self-esteem is relevant because
individuals with low self-worth may react more strongly to social comparison (Zhao,
2024). These psychological constructs will be scientifically explored through a
quantitative cross-sectional survey design using standardised measurement scales
to examine their statistical relationships among adults in South Africa.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
