From fear of missing out (FoMO) to addictive social media use: The role of social media flow and mindfulness

Abstract

The phenomenon fear of missing out (FoMO) has become very popular since the advent of social media (SM). High levels of FoMO can contribute to addictive tendencies of social media use (SMU). The present study investigated SM flow and mindfulness as factors that could explain this relationship. Data of 905 participants from Germany (age: M = 25.91, SD = 7.09) were assessed via online surveys in winter 2022/2023. The present results revealed a positive relationship between FoMO and addictive SMU. Both were positively linked to SM flow. Their association with mindfulness was negative. In a moderated mediation analysis, the relationship between FoMO and addictive SMU was mediated by SM flow. Specifically, the higher FoMO, the higher SM flow; and the higher SM flow, the higher addictive SMU. Mindfulness moderated the association between SM flow and addictive SMU. Specifically, the higher mindfulness, the weaker the link between both variables. Thus, persons with a high level of mindfulness could experience SM flow without the development of addictive use tendencies. The protective effect of mindfulness could be especially important for young persons who tend to high FoMO. Mindfulness training is discussed as a potential step that could reduce addictive SMU.