Factors influencing fear of missing out and its impact to academic burnout among students

Abstract

Vietnam has experienced rapid advancements in social media and information technology, significantly shaping social interactions and mental well-being, particularly among younger populations. social media has become an integral part of daily life, especially for university students, a demographic navigating the early stages of adulthood and susceptible to social and psychological pressures. these challenges, compounded by academic demands, are further intensified by online interactions and peer comparisons. This study adopts a quantitative approach, gathering data through a survey conducted with 475 university students in ho chi minh city. analytical techniques such as cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted (ave), and heterotrait-monotrait (htmt) ratios are applied to ensure the reliability and validity of the measurements. structural analysis incorporates vif and r² indicators, while regression models are used to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. The research focuses on four primary factors contributing to fomo: (1) social media usage, (2) a tendency toward social comparison, (3) nomophobia, and (4) trait anxiety. by addressing the relationships among these variables, the study provides actionable recommendations for students, educators, and policymakers. these recommendations aim to mitigate fomo-induced stress, promote healthier social media habits, and reduce academic burnout, thereby contributing to improved mental health in the digital era.