Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health: The Mediating Role of FOMO

Qihan TanTianjin University of Finance and Economics Pearl River College*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

As the penetration rate of social media among teenagers continues to rise (with global teenage users accounting for 87%), its potential impact on mental health has become a focal point of academic and societal attention. As "digital natives," teenagers are frequently exposed to the virtual social environments constructed by social media, leading to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety that urgently require in-depth analysis. This study focuses on "fear of missing out" (FOMO) as a core mediating variable, systematically integrating over 30 empirical studies from both domestic and international sources over the past five years. Using bibliometric and meta-analysis methods, it explores the dynamic association mechanisms between social media usage frequency, usage motives (active socializing vs. passive browsing), and adolescent mental health. The findings indicate that the impact of social media on adolescent mental health is context-dependent, with FOMO serving as the core link between behavioral patterns and psychological states. Future research should combine longitudinal tracking and neuroscientific techniques to further reveal differences in the effects of various platforms, and develop precise intervention strategies from dimensions such as digital literacy education in schools and the development of technology warning functions, to help adolescents balance virtual social interactions with real life.

Keywords: Social media use; adolescent mental health; fear of missing out; FOMO; empirical research
Published: July 11, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.LC24847
Volume: CHR Vol.72
pp. 68-74
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