DIGITAL DETOX OR DIGITAL DESPAIR? EXAMINING FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FOMO), SLEEP QUALITY, AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG HOSTEL-RESIDING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PUNJAB, INDIA

Dr Eric Kwasi Elliason

Authors

Dr. Eric Kwasi Elliason Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, India Author

Keywords:

Fear of Missing Out, Sleep Quality, Mental Health, University Students, Punjab, Digital Detox

Abstract

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is an increasing psychological issue among students in universities, and especially those who are in hostels with 24/7 internet access. Students who live in hostels in Punjab have unique difficulties in managing their social media usage because of the high level of competition in their academics and the widespread use of smartphones use. This study explores the relationship between FOMO as well as sleep quality and mental health issues among the population. A mixed-methods approach was used to study hostel-based students of 3 universities within Punjab. Data on quantitative variables were gathered through FOMO Scale (FOMO s), the FOMO Scale (FOMO s) as well as The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, 30 students with high FOMO scores were enrolled in semi-structured discussions. The results showed that 68 percent of the participants had poor quality sleep as well as FOMO strongly correlated in sleep disorders (r = 0.52, p .01). A regression analysis showed that FOMO contributed to 37 percent of variation in anxiety-related signs (b = 0.43, p .001). Qualitative research has revealed that compulsive nighttime social media use was an important factor in disrupting sleep. Men were more likely to mention games and group chats and females focusing on content that is related to appearance. The results highlight the need for measures from an institutional perspective like curfews for digital devices and education on sleep hygiene in university hostels. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of specific digital detox programs.

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