Social networking sites addiction and FoMO: The mediating role of envy and the moderating role of need to belong

Abstract

Previous research has documented that social networking sites (SNS) addiction is positively related to FoMO (Fear of Missing Out). However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. The current study tested the mediating effect of envy in the association between SNS addiction and FoMO, and whether this mediating process was moderated by need to belong. The model in this study was examined with 704 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 16.80 years, SD = 0.92). The participants completed questionnaires regarding SNS addiction, envy, FoMO, and need to belong. The results showed that SNS addiction was positively associated with FoMO. Mediation analysis indicated that envy mediated the association between SNS addiction and FoMO. Moderated mediation analysis further revealed that the mediated path was stronger for adolescents with higher degrees of need to belong. These findings highlight the significance of confirming the mechanisms that moderate the mediated paths between SNS addiction and FoMO. Besides, the findings provide a potential way to understand the consequences of SNS addiction better and help to reduce the negative impact of high levels of FOMO on adolescents.