PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF DIGITAL ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR POSSIBLE ASSOCIATIONS WITH FoMO: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Digital media are used by adolescents for various purposes and can be highly engaging, holding their attention for extended periods. Indiscriminate Internet use may make young people vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, and other forms of digital violence, while also increasing the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as low self-esteem, distorted self-perception, and excessive social comparisons. Thus, the fear of being left out of social media updates and the extreme need to engage in rewarding activities, explained by the phenomenon known as fear of missing out (FoMO), increase the risk of depressive and anxiety disorders among adolescents and are directly associated with the possibility of screen addiction. Objective: To describe the psychological impacts caused by excessive Internet use among adolescents and their possible associations with FoMO. An integrative review was conducted, gathering articles relevant to the topic using the PICO research strategy, with searches performed in the PubMed and SciELO databases. The selected studies were published between 2019 and 2025, resulting in 11 articles grouped into four thematic categories: psychological immaturity and neurobiological development; emotional impacts of digital addiction; risk and protective factors; and FoMO as a mediating mechanism. Psychological immaturity is one of the main risk factors for digital addiction, as difficulties with emotional regulation, autonomy, and self-control are directly associated with indiscriminate Internet use; however, as maturity develops, the likelihood of addiction decreases. Therefore, FoMO primarily affects young people who are vulnerable to an excessive fear of missing social media updates or being left out of rewarding activities, contributing to digital addiction and psychological impacts in this age group. When used appropriately, the Internet provides several benefits; however, when used excessively and without adequate knowledge, it becomes a risk factor. Young people are the main users of the Internet and are more prone to disorders related to digital addiction.