Differential Effects of Active Social Media Use on General Trait and Online-Specific State-FoMO: Moderating Effects of Passive Social Media Use

Overview

Journal Psychol Res Behav Manag

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2023 May 1

PMID 37124075

Authors

Jian Mao

Bin Zhang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Given the prevalence of the fear of missing out (FoMO) phenomenon and the limitations regarding understanding the relationship between social media use and FoMO, this research examines the links that bind different types of social media usage to different aspects of FoMO.

Methods: In the scope of this research, a structural equation modeling was developed to investigate the intricate connections that exist between active social media use (ASMU), passive social media use (PSMU), online-specific state-FoMO, and general trait-FoMO. Data were obtained from 394 Chinese university students (65% female) with experience in social media who completed the Active Social Media Use Scale, Passive Social Media Use Scale, and the Chinese Trait-State Fear of Missing Out Scale.

Results: Bivariate correlations analysis revealed that ASMU was significantly related with state-FoMO but not significantly related with trait-FoMO. Structural equation modeling revealed that ASMU had a significant direct negative predictive effect on trait-FoMO while positive association with trait-FoMO through the indirect effect of State-FoMO, illustrating that ASMU had a suppressing effect on trait-FoMO via state-FoMO. PSMU significantly moderated the direct effect of ASMU on trait-FoMO, and the direct effect was only significant at low levels of PSMU.

Conclusion: This study revealed whether and how social media use is linked to FoMO. Social media may not always increase FoMO, because positive, active social media interactions are conducive to the alleviation of trait-FoMO. However, it is significant to note that active interactions may also predict higher state-FoMO, so moderate social media use needs to be encouraged. In addition, a reduction in passive, non-communicative information browsing would be conducive to the alleviation of trait-FoMO by ASMU.

Citing Articles

The relationship between fear of missing out, digital technology use, and psychological well-being: A scoping review of conceptual and empirical issues.

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PMID: 39365762 PMC: 11452005. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308643.

I Do Not Want to Miss a Thing! Consequences of Employees' Workplace Fear of Missing Out for ICT Use, Well-Being, and Recovery Experiences.

Reimann L, Binnewies C, Ozimek P, Loose S Behav Sci (Basel). 2024; 14(1).

PMID: 38247660 PMC: 10812831. DOI: 10.3390/bs14010008.

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