Need to Belong, Fear of Missing Out, and Social Media Use: Predictors of Perceived Social Rejection

Need to Belong, Fear of Missing Out, and Social Media Use: Predictors of Perceived Social Rejection by Linda K. Perna MA, Walden University, 2015 BS, Walden University, 2013 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2020 Abstract The decline in mental health among U.S. college students is a significant concern. Research suggests that social media use may contribute to this decline. Heavy reliance on social media has been linked to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, psychological distress, and a fear of missing out on rewarding social experiences, which may ultimately trigger feelings of social rejection. Using a foundation of need to belong theory, theThe decline in mental health among U.S. college students is a significant concern. Research suggests that social media use may contribute to this decline. Heavy reliance on social media has been linked to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, psychological distress, and a fear of missing out on rewarding social experiences, which may ultimately trigger feelings of social rejection. Using a foundation of need to belong theory, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine individual differences in the need to belong, fear of missing out, and social media use as predictors of emotional and behavioral reactions to ambiguous social situations where social rejection can be inferred. Online survey data from 157 undergraduate students who use social media were collected using the Need to Belong Scale, Fear of Missing Out Scale, Social Networking Time Use Scale, and the Rejection Scenarios Questionnaire. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression revealed that increases in need to belong, fear of missing out, and social media use predicted heightened negative emotional reactions as well as avoidant and complaining behavioral reactions to perceived social rejection. Social media use and the fear of missing out predicted retaliation behavior in response to rejection. The predictor variables were not related to not acting friendly behavior. This study can promote social change by informing policy and instruction on digital media literacy, social media use in the classroom, and therapeutic interventions offered by campus psychological services, all of which can positively influence college students’ mental health and wellbeing. Need to Belong, Fear of Missing Out, and Social Media Use: Predictors of Perceived Social Rejection by Linda K. Perna MA, Walden University, 2015 BS, Walden University, 2013 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University February 2020 Dedication This work is dedicated to my husband, John Perna. I will be forever grateful for the devotion, encouragement, inspiration, and emotional support you provided throughout this journey. Thank you for always having my back and giving me the strength to keep moving forward. I truly could not have done this without you. To my son, Dub, who sacrificed too much time away from me during the past 10 years so that I could pursue an education and build a better life for us. Although this educational journey was challenging for us both, I hope this has taught you that with hard work and perseverance anything is possible. To my parents, Bill and Sarah Moore, thank you for instilling in me the resilience and courage I needed to pursue my educational goals. Daddy, more than you realize you led by example and taught me the value of hard work. Mama, thank you for always being my biggest cheerleader. Acknowledgments I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my dissertation chairperson, Dr. Hedy Red Dexter. Hedy, you have been a positive influence throughout my educational career. Long before my dissertation journey began you inspired me to become a social psychologist. Your constructive criticism and constant support have made me a better writer, critical thinker, and scholar, and for that I will be forever grateful. I also want to thank my methodologist Dr. Anthony Perry, and URR Dr. Patty Costello. Without your wisdom, expertise, guidance, and encouragement, the completion of this dissertation would not have been possible. I could not have asked for a better committee. To my dear friend and fellow Walden graduate, Dr. Samantha Salain, thank you for the years of encouragement and support. We finally made it. To my coworkers and dear friends, Jackie Jordan and Jenny Lewis, you have been my biggest fans. You were all there to celebrate my successes and support me through the epic meltdowns. Thank you for helping me see this through.