ABSTRACT:Fear of being left behind has become an increasingly common experience among young adults due to growing social comparisons, increased use of social media, and constant exposure to the achievements, experiences, and lifestyles of others. These factors often create pressure to keep up with peers, which may influence an individual's emotional well-being. The present study aims to determine the impact of the fear of being left behind on the emotional well-being of young adults in Mumbai. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational research methodology was adopted for the study. Primary data were collected from 42 respondents through a structured Google Form questionnaire using the convenience sampling technique. The findings revealed that a considerable number of respondents experienced feelings of being left behind, frequently compared themselves with others, and reported emotions such as low self-confidence, loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that respondents adopted different coping mechanisms, ranging from engaging in hobbies and self-care activities to spending time alone or using social media and entertainment as distractions. The study concludes that the fear of being left behind has a noticeable impact on the emotional well-being of young adults in Mumbai. It further highlights the importance of promoting healthy coping mechanisms and encouraging individuals to focus on personal growth rather than constant social comparison in order to improve emotional well-being.
KEYWORDS: Fear of Missing Out, Anxiety, Loneliness, Well-being, Social Media, Teenagers, Emotional Health, Isolation.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF THE FEAR OF BEING LEFT BEHIND ON THE EMOTIONAL WELL BEING OF YOUNG ADULTS IN MUMBAI
ZAARA KHAN, SAMAR ISLAM, DR. SUNITA YADAV