Self-Esteem, Fear of Missing Out and Problematic Internet Use in Generation Z Adolescents in Indonesia

Abstract

Internet use among Generation Z adolescents is increasingly becoming a concern due to its rapid development. This phenomenon can negatively impact the quality of learning, health problems, dependence on the internet, and make it difficult to control oneself in using the internet. This study aims to determine the predictors of self-esteem and fear of missing out on problematic internet use in Generation Z adolescents. This study uses quantitative methods with a multiple linear regression design. The participants were 329 Generation Z adolescents who were determined through an incidental sampling technique. Data were collected using three scales, namely the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs), and Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS 2). The results showed that self-esteem and fear of missing out jointly predicted problematic internet use in Generation Z adolescents. Specifically, self-esteem cannot predict problematic internet use in Generation Z adolescents. However, fear of missing out can predict problematic internet use in Generation Z adolescents. This study emphasizes the importance of efforts in improving self-strategy, which can be done through adaptive digital education.