Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the online fear of missing out in young adults

Abstract

The 20-item Online Fear of Missing Out (ON-FoMO) is the only existing instrument to measure fear of missing out (FoMO) levels in strict association with online behaviors and social media and, for this reason, it is relevant to evaluate its psychometric properties also in the Italian context. In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the scale items using a sample of 311 Italian young adults [F = 66.2%; M (SD) = 23.5 (3.5) years old]. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine whether the results of Study 1 could be confirmed with another sample of Italian young adults [N = 506; F = 53.2%; M (SD) = 23.6 (3.7) years old]. The model was also tested for measurement invariance by gender and age. Full scalar invariance of the ON-FoMO across gender and age was supported and adequate internal consistency was found. Convergent validity was also demonstrated.

Keywords

• Online Fear of Missing Out
• Factor structure
• Psychometric properties
• Gender invariance
• Age invariance
• Convergent validity