The Impact of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Social Comparisons on Clinical Medical Students at University of Bahri 2025

Ziryab  Mahmoud ¹, Esraa Taha ², Ekram  Ahmed ³, Areej  Oshi ⁴

Abstract

Doi : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17844213

Background: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a modern psychological phenomenon characterized by anxiety over being excluded from rewarding experiences, particularly through social media exposure. Among medical students, the combination of academic pressure and continuous online engagement can intensify FOMO, affect mental well-being, and shape social comparison behaviors.

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of FOMO among clinical medical students at the University of Bahri, examined its relationship with social comparison and coping strategies, and explored gender differences in these patterns.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2025 among 251 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year medical students. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire measuring FOMO, social comparison, and cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and maladaptive coping. Sampling was stratified by academic year, and data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s α reliability, and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: The mean FOMO score was 18.9 ± 6.8, indicating moderate levels, while social comparison averaged 16.8 ± 4.1. Many students reported anxiety when peers enjoyed events without them and frequently monitored others online. Males scored higher in social comparison (p = 0.040), whereas females scored higher in cognitive (p < 0.001), emotional (p = 0.001), and maladaptive coping (p = 0.008) scores, though overall FOMO did not differ by gender (p = 0.761). Cognitive coping predominated (63.7% focused on personal goals), while emotional and behavioral coping were less utilized.

Conclusion: Moderate FOMO and active social comparison were prevalent among students, reflecting the psychological strain of digitally connected academic life. Targeted digital wellness programs that foster resilience, media literacy, and adaptive coping are essential to safeguard students' mental health and academic performance.