DIGITAL HOARDING IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: A PREDICTIVE STUDY IN LIGHT OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

background:

with the widespread use of social media, new digital behaviors have emerged, most notably digital hoarding, a behavior characterized by excessive, unregulated retention of digital content. Objectives: to identify predictors of digital hoarding among social media users, based on demographic factors, fomo (fear of missing out), and personality traits. methods: the study used a descriptive-analytical approach, and its tools were applied to a simple random sample of (302) male and female students in Riyadh. the measurement tools were based on the digital hoarding scale [1], the fomo scale [2], and the Freiburg personality traits scale. Results: the results showed that digital hoarding behavior can be predicted through fomo and personality traits, while demographic factors were ineffective. fomo also contributed 44% to the increase in digital hoarding behavior, with neuroticism, depression, and sociability emerging as the personality traits most closely associated with this behavior. Recommendations: activate awareness and guidance programs to raise awareness of the psychological risks of digital clutter, and integrate fomo into mental health programs.