Self-control and problematic smartphone use among Italian University students: The mediating role of the fear of missing out and of smartphone use patterns

The aim of the study was to investigate the mediating role of the fear of missing out (FoMO) and of smartphone use patterns (SUP) on self-control and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among Italian university students. This study involved 405 students (mean age 22.11 years). The data were collected by using a paper-pencil method. The hypotheses of the study were tested by using the Person correlation analysis and a structural equation model (SEM). The results of the study showed that females exhibited higher scores in PSU, self-control, and socializing patterns in smartphone use, whereas males scored higher in information-seeking and entertainment. No significant differences emerged between gender and FoMO. We found a partial mediation only by FoMO on the relationship between self-control and PSU and none by SUP. A significant indirect effect, however, emerged when SUP was related to FoMO. The current findings not only confirm the previous results but also provide new evidence regarding the association between self-control and PSU.