The Impact of Smartphone Attachment and Fear of Missing Out on Social Support in Iran: A Cross-Generational Study at the University of Science and Culture
Keywords:
Communication structure, Communication function, Social support, Intergenerational comparison, Mixed-method research, Smartphone attachment, FoMOAbstract
Purpose: This study aims to examine cross-generational differences in perceived social support and to explain the role of smartphone attachment and fear of missing out (FoMO) in shaping these differences.
Methodology: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, 384 participants from Alpha, Z, Y, and X generations were randomly selected and completed the Lubben Social Network Scale. In the qualitative phase, 29 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS, and qualitative data with MAXQDA.
Findings: Inferential analyses revealed a statistically significant difference in perceived social support between generations (p<0.05), with the X–Y generational group reporting higher overall support than the Alpha–Z group. This difference was primarily attributable to family support, while no significant generational differences were found in friend support. Qualitative findings indicated that FoMO was reported only among some younger participants and was typically associated with moderate levels of perceived social support.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a structural shift in family communication patterns among younger generations influenced by smartphone use, leading to lower perceived social support and greater vulnerability to loneliness, while highlighting that smartphone attachment does not necessarily equate to FoMO.
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