The Impact of FOMO on Phone Addiction
One of the primary factors influencing the frequency with which Indian adolescents check their phones is the fear of missing out, commonly known as “FOMO.” This phenomenon is not limited to a specific generation but is experienced by individuals of all ages worldwide. A study published in the journal CyberPsychology, Behavior and Social Networking confirms that FOMO plays a significant role in the development of phone addiction.
The internet and social media platforms contribute to this fear of missing out by creating a sense of interconnectedness. As a result, many individuals feel compelled to constantly check their phones to avoid the fear of missing out on what others are doing. The desire to stay updated and connected drives the addictive behavior associated with phone usage.
Positive Reinforcement
One of the reasons why people find it difficult to stop phubbing is the presence of specific design features in social media apps and websites that encourage participation and provide rewards. A study conducted in 2016 aimed to determine the influence of the “like” function on adolescents. The researchers discovered that adolescents are more inclined to like photos that already have a significant number of likes. The act of viewing photos with a high number of likes activates the neural regions responsible for reward processing, attention, and social cognition. This not only raises concerns about the potentially harmful reward system of social media but also highlights the potential effects of peer-based advertising.