The paradox of accessibility: FOMO, mobile addiction and school mobile bans
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Abstract
The study examines the phenomenon of smartphone use among higher education students, with a special focus on the relationship between FOMO (fear of missing out) and mobile addiction. The research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods, using snowball sampling, during which responses were collected from the students of SZTE and from closed online communities. The results show that the majority of students spend more than three hours a day on their phones, and use them during classes is also common, primarily for entertainment and social media purposes. The responses clearly show a sense of addiction, which can be associated with anxiety, loss of control and poor performance, while the usefulness of the device (obtaining information, feeling of security, keeping in touch) is also strongly present. The results can also be interpreted from a behavioral economics perspective, since emotions – such as safety and fear of missing out – often override rational considerations in student decisions (cf. Hámori, 2003). According to the practical conclusions of the study, a complete mobile ban is not a viable option, but moderate restrictions and strengthening self-regulation can contribute to students' well-being and increased learning efficiency.
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Online források
AP News. (2025). New law in Brazil is making students put away their smartphones at school. Letöltve 2025 augusztusban, innen: https://apnews.com/article/brazil-bill-phones-schools-restrictions-20b95516d6e2a0f63ebb642defba964b
AP News. (2025). Students face new cellphone restrictions in 17 states as school year begins. Letöltve 2025 augusztusban, innen: https://apnews.com/article/schools-cellphone-bans-social-media-parents-d6464fbfdfae83189c752fe0c40fd060
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