The present study investigated the influence of engaging in online regulatory behaviors in the use of one’s smart phone and the outcomes of those behaviors on perceived online behavioral control ...Show moreThe present study investigated the influence of engaging in online regulatory behaviors in the use of one’s smart phone and the outcomes of those behaviors on perceived online behavioral control (PoBC). Additionally, the moderating influence of PoBC on the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and the frequency of checking one’s smartphone was investigated. We were also interested in the relationship between social media fatigue and academic stress. A convenience sample of Dutch-speaking students (N = 82) completed a 15-minute self-report questionnaire assessing FoMO, frequency of smartphone checking, PoBC, and online regulatory behaviors. Contrary to our expectations, PoBC does not weaken the relationship between FoMO and participants’ frequency of checking one’s smartphone. On the one hand, as expected, in the subgroup of participants with a weaker sense of PoBC, the correlation between FoMO and the frequency of checking one’s smartphone is positive, although not significant (r = .20), indicating that participants with higher levels of FoMO tend to check their phone more frequently. On the other hand, however, in the subgroup of participants with a stronger sense of control, the correlation is not weakened, but remains equally strong (r = -.20, again n.s.), but this time negative, suggesting that in this subgroup of participants, higher levels of FoMO tend to be associated with less frequent phone-checking. A possible explanation for this unexpected result is offered in the Discussion. Furthermore, unexpectedly, participants experiencing more social media fatigue do not experience more academic stress. However, individuals who believe that regulating their online behavior is effective to not be distracted, perceive a stronger sense of control over their online behavior. This study suggests that enhancing the belief that regulatory behaviors may help to prevent unwanted disturbances.Show less
