Deep and surface learning approaches are related to fear of missing out on social networking sites: A latent profile analysis

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is defined as an individual's fear and panic that others may be having more satisfying and rewarding experiences than they are, and the desire to constantly stay connected to what others are doing. It is known to be an important mediating variable in predicting the negative consequences of overuse of social networking sites. In terms of negative consequences, it is also suggested that it has an impact on university students' learning approaches. However, the heterogeneity of FoMO among individuals with different learning approaches has not yet been clarified. Therefore, in this study, latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to reveal hidden profiles of university students in terms of learning approaches and FoMO according to the frequency of checking the smartphone during studying. The participants consisted of 1122 university students studying at a state university in Turkey. The study used the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to assess deep and surface learning approaches and the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs) to measure FoMO level. The findings indicate that there are low but significant relationships between the variables. LPA revealed four profiles among university students according to the incidences. The profiles were discussed in the light of the literature.