Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Online Subjective Well-Being (OSWB): Examining the Mediating Role of Social Media Overload (SMO)
Abstract
Social media has become essential in today's hyperconnected digital environment. Due to its widespread use and users’ excessive dependence, the use of social media has raised concerns about its psychological impacts. One of the key factors that drives excessive social media engagement is Fear of missing out (FoMO). FoMo has been linked to negative outcomes, both at psychological and behavioral levels. However, the mechanisms through which FoMO contributes to social media overload through information and communication surplus, and how it affects online subjective well-being (OSWB), require further investigation. Hence, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the connections between FoMO, social media overload, and online subjective well-being. Based on the research synthesis, a conceptual framework is proposed, which would advance theoretical understanding of the digital environment and well-being. It also serves as a foundation for future empirical research. Based on the framework, it offers practical insights for designing interventions to mitigate the psychological risks of social media use.
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References
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