Investigating the Relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Sexting Motivations in Heterosexual and LGB+ People.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), the intense desire to stay connected to avoid missing experiences, is associated with an increased risk of problematic online communication. A few studies investigated the relationship between FOMO and sexting, consisting of exchanging sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos. Both research examining FOMO and sexting showed that such behaviors are more prevalent among LGB+ people, but no previous research examined how FOMO relates to motivations for sexting while considering the influence of sexual orientation. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between FOMO and motivation to sexting in a sample of 911 Italian heterosexual (70%) and LGB+ (30%) aged 18-30 years (M = 22.3; SD = 2.57; 74% women). Participants completed the FOMO scale and the Sexting Motivations Questionnaire, which measures three motivational components of sexting: (1) sexual purpose; (2) instrumental/aggravated reason; (3) body image reinforcement. FOMO and sexual orientation significantly predict all three motivations for sexting, indicating that LGB+ participants and those with high levels of FOMO are more likely to be engaged in sexting compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, an interaction effect between FOMO and sexual orientation emerged for engaging in sexting for instrumental/aggravated reasons and body image reinforcement: Participants high in FOMO are more likely to share sexts to get positive feedback on their body image or for secondary aims, especially if identifying as LGB+. Results can have relevant implications for preventive interventions that should be aimed at fostering a sense of autonomy and bodily self-esteem, to promote mutual respect in online sexual exchanges.