University students go through a developmental period marked by intense social interactions, academic competition, and identity formation. During this time, social media and digital platforms are frequently used to stay connected with friends, keep up with events, and remain informed about their social environment. However, this usage can lead to a phenomenon known as the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), where individuals feel a constant need to stay online out of concern that they might be missing out on experiences others are having. FoMO has emerged as a growing issue among young adults and can significantly impact university students’ social lives, academic performance, and overall well-being.

High levels of FoMO can contribute to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem in students. The constant desire to follow others’ lives may reduce satisfaction with one’s own life, increase social comparison, and lower the quality of real-life relationships. These effects can lead to a decline in students' psychological well-being, weaken emotional resilience, and result in dissatisfaction in social interactions. Therefore, investigating the relationship between FoMO and psychological well-being among university students is crucial for supporting and protecting the mental health of this young adult population.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and psychological well-being among students from various faculties at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 500 students participated in the study. Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted to determine the relationships. To meet the assumptions for regression analysis, the robust estimator Newey-West algorithm was applied. Since the p-values of the dimension score distributions were found to be greater than 0.05, the data were determined to be normally distributed. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship of 43.9% between FoMO and psychological well-being. The regression analysis indicated that FoMO significantly negatively affects psychological well-being (β=-0.451, p<0.01).

Universities must be concerned not only with students’ academic success but also with their psychological well-being. When the psychological impacts of FoMO are clearly identified, it becomes possible to design more targeted intervention programs, digital awareness education, and psychological support services for students. Furthermore, such research can provide valuable insights for university policies aiming to promote healthier digital media usage among youth, strengthen social relationships, and enhance students’ life satisfaction.

Keywords: Fear of Missing Out, Psychological Well-Being, University Students, Statistical Analysis.