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FoMO as a Predictor of Cyber Dating Violence Among Young Adults: Understanding Digital Risk Factors in Romantic Relationships

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  • Alessandra Ragona

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Mara Morelli

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Lia Ruggeri

    (Department of Human and Social Science, University of Valle d’Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy)

  • Elena Cattelino

    (Department of Human and Social Science, University of Valle d’Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy)

  • Antonio Chirumbolo

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Cyber Dating Violence (CDV) is a prevalent and concerning phenomenon among young people, characterized by abusive behaviors toward a romantic partner through digital platforms. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), defined as the anxiety of being excluded from rewarding experiences, is closely linked to excessive digital engagement and the need for constant connectivity. While previous studies have associated FoMO with bullying and cyberstalking, its relationship with dating violence remains unexplored. This study’s aim is to bridge this gap by analyzing the association between FoMO and both perpetration and victimization in CDV. The sample consisted of 911 young adults aged 18 to 30 (Mage = 22.0; SDage = 2.57; 74% women), recruited via an online survey. Findings indicate that FoMO significantly predicts both the perpetration and victimization of CDV. Additionally, for perpetration, significant interactions emerged with gender and sexual orientation, suggesting that these factors may moderate the relationship between FoMO and abusive behaviors in digital dating contexts. These results highlight the need for further research to better understand CDV and inform prevention and intervention strategies focused on digital platform use and healthy relationship dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Ragona & Mara Morelli & Lia Ruggeri & Elena Cattelino & Antonio Chirumbolo, 2025. "FoMO as a Predictor of Cyber Dating Violence Among Young Adults: Understanding Digital Risk Factors in Romantic Relationships," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:9:p:258-:d:1749361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xu, X. & Zhu, F. & O'Campo, P. & Koenig, M.A. & Mock, V. & Campbell, J., 2005. "Prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner violence in China," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(1), pages 78-85.
    2. Mara Morelli & Flavio Urbini & Dora Bianchi & Roberto Baiocco & Elena Cattelino & Fiorenzo Laghi & Piotr Sorokowski & Michal Misiak & Martyna Dziekan & Heather Hudson & Alexandra Marshall & Thanh Truc, 2021. "The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-25, March.
    3. Kinsey, A.C. & Pomeroy, W.R. & Martin, C.E., 2003. "Sexual behavior in the human male. 1948," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(6), pages 894-898.
    4. Tandon, Anushree & Dhir, Amandeep & Talwar, Shalini & Kaur, Puneet & Mäntymäki, Matti, 2021. "Dark consequences of social media-induced fear of missing out (FoMO): Social media stalking, comparisons, and fatigue," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
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