From loneliness to problematic social media use: The mediating roles of fear of missing out, self-esteem, and social comparison

This study investigates the relationship between loneliness and problematic social media use (PSMU) among young adults, addressing mixed findings from prior research. Specifically, it examines whether fear of missing out (FoMO), self-esteem, and social comparison mediate this association. A sample of 359 Italian young adults (aged 18-35, M = 23.7, SD = 3.35, 73% female) completed self-report measures assessing loneliness, psychological factors (FoMO, self-esteem, and social comparison), and PSMU. The findings reveal a direct link between loneliness and PSMU, with FoMO, self-esteem, and social comparison partially mediating this relationship. These results underscore the complex interplay of psychological factors in the connection between loneliness and PSMU. Implications include the potential for targeted interventions to address dysfunctional social media use and preventive campaigns to promote healthy online behaviours among young adults and adolescents.