Assessing Detrimental Influences of Fear of Missing Out on Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Self-Presentation, Upward Contrast, and Social Media Stalking

Considering the pervasive utilization of social networking site (SNS) in our everyday existence, it is crucial crucial to profoundly comprehend its ramifications on individuals’ psychological well-being. Under the circumstance, fear of missing out (FoMO) receives extensive examination due to its prominence within the digital epoch. However, the factors inducing FOMO and the mechanism through which FoMO impairs users’ psychosocial well-being require further exploration. Combining quantitative data with Stimulus-Organism-Behavior-Consequence (SOBC) framework, this research establishes an innovative model that explores existing research gaps. It also delves into social media intensity and depressive mood as potential antecedents of FoMO. Additionally, this research hypothesizes that the impacts of FOMO on psychological well-being is mediated by three SNS engagement behaviors: self-presentation, upward contrast, and social media stalking, respectively. The current study gathers statistics from 896 SNS users in northern China and empirically verified the conceptual model. Conclusive results illustrate that FoMO can be induced by social media intensity and depressive mood. Furthermore, FoMO adversely affects individuals’ psychological well-being through the intermediary mechanisms of upward contrast and social media stalking. Consequently, the present study bridges the identified research gaps. It further augments the comprehension of younger generation’s mental experiences and SNS usage behaviors. Apart from yielding valuable insights within the domain of media and psychology, the discoveries provide vital guidance for correlated social groups. Various stakeholders, including mental health professionals, community groups, and policy makers should formulate interventions and initiatives directed toward mitigating the adverse impacts of emerging technologies on users’ psychological well-being.