Exploring workplace Fear of Missing Out (FoMO): A systematic literature review

Abstract

Individuals’ excessive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and social media platforms has led to scholarly recognition of a nascent phenomenon known as fear of missing out (FoMO). Prevailing FoMO research predominantly centers on the problematic social media use among adolescents, college students and social media users in non-work settings. Limited research has been conducted concerning FoMO in the work context. Meanwhile, existing knowledge of workplace FoMO lacks systematic explication regarding its research focus. To tackle this shortfall, a systematic literature review on workplace FoMO was conducted. Altogether 15 empirical studies were identified from nine databases (Web of Science, Emerald, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, JSTOR, Wiley, Sage and CNKI) together with citation chaining search through rigorous inclusion and exclusion protocols. Three themes were encapsulated in prior research including antecedents, consequences and measurement. The results indicated that limitations should be addressed by future scholars including narrow scope regarding geographies and occupations, together with limited positive effects, intervention strategies and methodologies. The current study provides implications and directions for future workplace FoMO research.