A cross-cultural examination of Fear of Missing Out and gender differences between the USA and Italy: Evidence from a network analysis

This study investigates the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) across cultural and gender contexts using network analysis, focusing on Italian and American participants. FoMO, a pervasive concern of missing rewarding social experiences, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and problematic social media use (PSMU). Despite its global relevance, research on FoMO's cultural and gender-specific nuances remains limited. This study applied network analysis to explore the features of the FoMO among two groups: Americans and Italians. Data were collected (N = 627; USA [N = 277; Mage = 41.15, SD = 14.84]; Italian [N = 350; Mage = 21.72, SD = 3.55]) using an online survey platform. All the participants completed the FoMO scale. Results indicate significant differences in network structures between Italian and USA participants, reflecting cultural variations in individualism and collectivism. Italian participants emphasised shared social experiences, while USA participants highlighted comparative social evaluations. Gender-based analyses revealed no significant structural differences, but the current results suggested nuanced manifestations of FoMO across males and females. These findings underscore the importance of cultural and gender-sensitive approaches in addressing FoMO and inform targeted interventions to enhance digital well-being.