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Fear of Missing Out Scale
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About Fear of Missing Out Scale
Scale Name
Fear of Missing Out Scale
Author Details
Andrew Przybylski, Murayama, DeHann, & Gladwell
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
In the early 2010s, social media platforms were exploding, transforming how we connect and share information. Amidst this digital revolution, researchers started noticing a curious phenomenon: a pervasive anxiety fueled by the constant stream of seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. This fear of missing out on exciting experiences and social connections enjoyed by others was dubbed Fear of Missing Out (FoMO).
Recognizing the need for a reliable tool to measure this growing concern, Dr. Andrew Przybylski, a social psychologist at the University of Essex, teamed up with colleagues to develop the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs) in 2013. Their goal was to create a concise and effective way to assess individual differences in FoMO susceptibility.
The initial development involved two research studies. The first aimed to identify the core aspects of FoMO and translate them into clear, relatable statements. Through focus groups and discussions, ten key items emerged, capturing feelings like:
- Anxiety about others having more rewarding experiences.
- Worrying when friends are having fun without you.
- Checking social media frequently to stay connected.
The second study tested and refined the scale, ensuring its reliability and validity. Participants from diverse backgrounds answered the ten statements on a Likert scale, indicating how true each statement resonated with their own experiences. Statistical analysis confirmed the scale’s effectiveness in measuring individual variations in FoMO.
With its publication in 2013, the FoMOs became a valuable tool for researchers worldwide. It paved the way for exploring the psychological and social factors contributing to FoMO, as well as its potential consequences for well-being, social relationships, and mental health. Studies using the FoMOs have shed light on the impact of social media use, personality traits, and cultural factors on this modern-day anxiety.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Explain the purpose: Briefly explain the nature of the scale and its focus on measuring FoMO. Assure participants of anonymity (if applicable).
- Distribute the scale: Provide each participant with a copy of the FoMOs.
- Read the instructions: Briefly read the instructions printed on the scale or explain them verbally. Emphasize that participants should answer based on their own experiences and feelings.
- Respond to questions: Answer any clarifying questions participants may have.
- Collect completed scales: When everyone has finished, collect the completed scales in a designated manner.
Reliability and Validity
The FoMOs has undergone extensive testing and analysis to assess its reliability and validity, making it a widely accepted measure in research. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths:
- Internal consistency: Measured by Cronbach’s alpha, the FoMOs consistently demonstrates high internal consistency, typically exceeding 0.8, indicating that the individual items effectively measure the same underlying construct.
- Test-retest reliability: Studies have shown moderate stability of FoMO scores over time, suggesting the scale measures a relatively stable aspect of personality.
- Face validity: The items directly capture feelings and behaviors associated with FoMO, making it easy for participants to understand and relate to.
- Content validity: The scale items comprehensively cover the core aspects of FoMO, ensuring it measures the intended construct.
- Convergent validity: The FoMOs correlates positively with other measures of social anxiety and negative social comparison, supporting its connection to broader psychological constructs.
- Discriminant validity: The FoMOs does not correlate strongly with measures of unrelated constructs, suggesting it captures a distinct phenomenon.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in human behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FoMOs?
The FoMOs is a 10-item questionnaire that measures your fear of missing out on positive experiences others are having.
Who developed it?
Andrew Przybylski and colleagues at the University of Essex in 2013.
How is it administered?
Participants answer statements like “I worry when friends have fun without me” on a scale (e.g., 1 = not true at all, 5 = extremely true).
Is it reliable and valid?
Yes, the FoMOs shows good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It aligns with concepts like social anxiety and negative social comparison, suggesting validity.
Are there limitations?
Yes, scores can vary based on context and self-reporting bias. The scale may not capture the full complexity of FoMO experiences.
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