Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and its Relation with Digital Distraction Among a Sample of Saudi University Students

This study aimed to identify the level of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and digital distraction, and to examine the relationship between them among a sample of Saudi university students, in addition to exploring gender differences in both FOMO and digital distraction. The study employed the descriptive correlational and comparative approach and included a sample of (438) male and female Saudi university students aged between (18–35) years. The study relied on the FOMO scale (Przybylski et al., 2013), translated by Almatari and Elsayed (2025), and the Digital Distraction Scale by Ibrahim (2025). The results showed a low level of FOMO and a high level of digital distraction, as well as a significant correlation between FOMO and digital distraction. The findings also revealed statistically significant differences between males and females in both variables, in favor of males. The study recommends designing counseling programs aimed at developing students' attention and time-management skills to reduce digital distraction resulting from excessive use of smart devices, along with enhancing digital awareness.