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

Abstract

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.

Exploring the dimensionality of Fear of Missing Out: Associations with related constructs

“…Specifically, exploring associations with other indicators of social media use and personality traits might be valuable in future research. This could include examining passive/active social media use, social comparison orientation, maximizing tendency, and regret tendency (e.g., S.-C. Lin & Jian, 2022;Mao & Zhang, 2023). Moreover, it would be worthwhile to investigate its associations with psychological well-being indicators, such as stress and anxiety (e.g., Elhai et al, 2021a).…”

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

“…Most of these investigations focused on the consequences of FoMO on different well-being variables by also considering individuals' social media engagement [13,14]. In this context, a meta-analysis focusing on private FoMO found that social media engagement can be both an antecedent and consequence of experiencing FoMO [15][16][17][18][19]. However, media usage is not limited to people's private spheres but also becomes crucial in the context of many working environments [20].…”