The Triadic Relationship Between Fear of Negative Evaluation, Fear of Missing Out and Personal Fable

Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) is progressively becoming a significant concern for Gen Z in this high-pressure digital world where constant judgment (both online and offline) has become a norm. With the existence of social media, it’s almost impossible to evade the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which leads to feeling the need to stay connected and engaged 24/7. This study examines the relationship between FNE (Fear of Negative Evaluation), FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), and the Personal Fable (encompassing omnipotence, personal uniqueness, and invulnerability), aiming to investigate how these factors collectively influence social behavior and psychological well-being. This study addresses a critical research gap by linking FNE, FOMO, and the Personal Fable and by examining their collective influence on young adults across two different age groups (18-24 and 25-29). The study aims to address how these variables impact young adults transitioning into adulthood. The data was collected from 211 participants using Google Forms and the results were analyzed through SPSS software, employing correlation and regression techniques. The findings reveal a significant correlation between FNE and both FOMO and Personal Fable traits. Notably, FOMO acts as a protective factor that intensifies FNE, while omnipotence and invulnerability serve to mitigate its effects. No significant age-related differences in FNE were observed between the 18-24 and 25-29 age groups. However, females consistently reported higher levels of FNE than males, and introverts exhibited significantly more FNE than extroverts. These insights suggest that while FNE affects young adults broadly, gender and personality traits play a crucial role in its intensity. The study proposes targeted interventions to alleviate FNE among young adults by addressing the interconnected psychological constructs.