The Effect of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Fear of Missing Out (FoMo) within Kuwait’s Context

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Social Media (SM) on the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among general social media users in Kuwait and employees of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) of Kuwait. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered from a diverse sample including social media experts, academics, Kuwaiti users, and MOI personnel. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using NVivo software.

Qualitative findings highlight significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding privacy and transparency in the integration of AI within social media platforms. Participants emphasized both individual and collective responsibility in curbing the overuse of AI-driven features. Quantitative results indicate that FoMO is widely perceived as an addictive behaviour, and many respondents find it ethically acceptable to utilize FoMO in marketing strategies.

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how AI-driven algorithms influence user behaviour on social media. It underscores the responsibility of platforms to strike a balance between personalized content delivery and ethical considerations. The findings also call for stronger policy interventions to address privacy violations and the lack of transparency surrounding AI technologies.