FoMO, but not self-compassion, moderates the link between social media use and anxiety in adolescence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Social media use is ubiquitous during adolescence, and emerging research suggests an association with anxiety symptoms in some individuals. Two psychological constructs which may moderate this relationship are Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and self-compassion. Higher FoMO tendencies may exacerbate the link between social media use and anxiety symptoms through greater fixation on social comparison, whereas higher self-compassion may weaken this link. The purpose of this study was to examine whether FoMO and self-compassion independently moderate the relationship between social media use and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Method Participants included 951 adolescents (M age = 13.69, SD = 0.72; 54% male). Online questionnaires assessed frequency of social media use, anxiety symptoms, FoMO, and self-compassion. Results FoMO moderated the relationship between social media use and anxiety, ΔR 2 = .022, ΔF(1,945) = 26.26, p < .001. Increased social media use was associated with increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents high in FoMO and reduced anxiety for adolescents low in FoMO. Self-compassion was not a significant moderator. Conclusion These findings have implications for social media use, public guidelines and clinical practice and support adoption of a discerning approach to adolescent’s social media use. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Whilst some studies demonstrate an association between social media use and anxiety, depression or self harm, other studies suggest social media is beneficial to wellbeing. Previous research suggests that Fear of Missing out mediates the association between anxiety and social media use. Self compassion is associated with less time spent on social media. What this topic adds: This study identified students who are adversely affectedby social media use amongst Australian adolescents and differentiated them from students who derive some benefit from social media use. Students who were concerned by a fear of missing out showed that social media use was associated with increased levels of anxiety. Incontrast, for students who were not concerned with missing out, increased social media use was associated with reduced levels of anxiety. Self-compassion did not moderate the association between increased social media use and anxiety symptoms.