Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The relationship between personality traits and the growing use of social media among students has been associated with several negative outcomes such as the fear of missing out (FOM). However, studies focusing on nursing students are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationships between personality traits, FOM, and social media addiction (SMA). Furthermore, it sought to assess the mediating role of FOM in the correlation between personality and SMA. Additionally, the study examined potential gender differences in these relationships through the application of multiple-group analyses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months in 2024. Nursing students were recruited using convenience sampling. This study assessed three primary variables: FOM, personality traits, and SMA. RESULTS: The structural model exhibited high reliability and validity, with both the SMA and FOM demonstrating robust reliability. Extraversion displayed the highest reliability among personality traits. The SMA showed a strong correlation with conscientiousness and moderate correlations with extraversion and FOM. The model fit was adequate standardized root mean square residual = .078), although the normed fit index fell below the optimal level. The SMA's R² was .345, indicating moderate explanatory power, while the FOM's R² was lower. Conscientiousness, agreeableness, and FOM positively influenced SMA, while neuroticism negatively impacted it. FOM was a significant predictor of SMA, with a more pronounced effect in females. CONCLUSION: This study identified a positive correlation between conscientiousness and agreeableness and SMA, while neuroticism negatively affected SMA. Additionally, FOM was a significant predictor of SMA, particularly in females. This study's findings underscore the need to incorporate personality traits and FOM into interventions targeting SMA reduction.