Research Article

The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians

Volume: 13 Number: 1 May 5, 2026
TR EN

The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians

Abstract

Aim: To determine the interaction between fear of missing out (FoMO), digital addiction, and social loneliness level, the question “does social loneliness mediate the effect of fear of missing out on digital addiction?” is sought.
Method: Within the scope of the research, a survey was conducted with 614 academics working at universities in Türkiye using the quantitative research method. The obtained data were analyzed using AMOS 24 and SPSS 26 programs. Confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation model analysis, correlation analysis, and frequency analysis were performed during the analysis process.
Results: It was determined that fear of missing out (FoMO) increased digital addiction and social loneliness. In addition, it was observed that increasing social loneliness levels strengthened digital addiction. During the research process, it was determined that social loneliness played a mediating role in the effect of FoMO on digital addiction.
Conclusion: When the literature was examined, no other study was found that examined the interactions of fear of missing out (FoMO), digital addiction, and social loneliness level in the same research model. It can be said that this study is original by verifying a research model that has not been tried before. Based on the findings, practical and theoretical suggestions are given in the conclusion section. 

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Communication Studies

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

April 29, 2026

Publication Date

May 5, 2026

Submission Date

February 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 1

APA
Erdem, A. T. (2026). The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, 13(1), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1634266
AMA
1.Erdem AT. The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians. IGUJSS. 2026;13(1):67-82. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1634266
Chicago
Erdem, Ahmet Tuncay. 2026. “The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13 (1): 67-82. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1634266.
EndNote
Erdem AT (May 1, 2026) The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13 1 67–82.
IEEE
[1]A. T. Erdem, “The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians”, IGUJSS, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 67–82, May 2026, doi: 10.17336/igusbd.1634266.
ISNAD
Erdem, Ahmet Tuncay. “The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences 13/1 (May 1, 2026): 67-82. https://doi.org/10.17336/igusbd.1634266.
JAMA
1.Erdem AT. The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians. IGUJSS. 2026;13:67–82.
MLA
Erdem, Ahmet Tuncay. “The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 13, no. 1, May 2026, pp. 67-82, doi:10.17336/igusbd.1634266.
Vancouver
1.Ahmet Tuncay Erdem. The Mediating Role of Social Loneliness Level in the Effect of Fear of Missing Out on Digital Addiction: A Study for Academicians. IGUJSS. 2026 May 1;13(1):67-82. doi:10.17336/igusbd.1634266

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