Background: Adolescence represents a critical developmental period characterized by the transition to adulthood. The challenges inherent in this stage have been amplified in the digital age, necessitating further investigation into the complexities of adolescent development within the context of pervasive internet access.
Aim: The study explores the relationship between internet addiction and Behavioral Inhibition/Approach system and FOMO in adolescents, also considering the influence of gender.
Methodology: This study employed a descriptive correlational design. The target population comprised all tenth, eleventh, and twelfth-grade students enrolled in empirical science, humanities and mathematics fields within jiroft city during the academic year 1402-1403(Iranian calendar). A sample of 364 participants was selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS software. The research tools included Young’s Internet Addiction test (2011), Carver and White's BIS/BAS Scales (1994), and przybyski et al.’s Fear of Missing Out Scale (2013). Conclusions: The finding showed a statistically significant positive correlation between fear of missing out (FOMO) and Internet addiction (r=0/36, P<0/01). Gender did not significantly moderate this relationship. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Internet addiction and the behavioral inhibition system (r=0/19). Gender significantly moderated this relationship (P<0/01). No significant association was observed between behavioral activation system functioning and internet addiction. The findings highlight the relationship between Internet addiction with FOMO and the behavioral inhibition system and suggest potential areas for intervention. specifically, the results indicate a greater vulnerability to Internet addiction in adolescents with high FOMO scores and in male adolescents with stronger behavioral inhibition systems.