Publication Details
Abstract
The prevalence of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and social support differences among undergraduates in South Eastern, South Western and Northcentral geopolitical zones of Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. An ex post facto research design was employed, and data were obtained from 4,930 students by using validated tools, including the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOS) and a Social Support Scale. Identifying regional discrepancies and their influence on student well-being was a focus of the study. The analysis showed significant differences by zones. The Northcentral zone showed highest FOMO prevalence (97.1%) and lowest with high social support (32.5%) but highest neutral support (42.6%). On the other hand, highest high social support was observed in Southeast (60.7%) which could buffer the detrimental effects of FOMO. The combining observations from both social and infrastructural perspectives who make these findings relevant in cultural studies of students feedback on psychological level. The study also highlights the need for targeted interventions to ameliorate these disparities. Digital literacy programs should be rolled out in universities, and counselling services expanded, while policymakers should prioritise establishing strong systems of social support, especially in the Northcentral zone. Future studies should focus on the longitudinal implications of FOMO and the contributions of digital and socio-economic factors for student health.