FoMO as a predictor of cyber dating violence among young adults: understanding digital risk factors in romantic relationships

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.