Fear of missing out and compulsive buying behavior: The moderating role of mindfulness

The current study investigates the relationship between the fear of missing out (FoMO) and depression, anxiety, materialism, and compulsive buying behavior (CBB). Furthermore, the study also investigates the potential moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship between FoMO and outcomes. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from 569 participants, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze that data through SmartPLS. The finding showed that FoMO has a positive and significant effect on CBB, whereas depression, social anxiety, and materialism partially mediate the relationship between FoMO and CBB. Additionally, mindfulness has a significant moderating role in the relationship between FoMO and negative consequences. This study underscores the significance of mindfulness-based interventions in mitigating the adverse effects of FoMO on depression, social anxiety, materialism, and CBB, among adults.

Automated summary

This study investigates the relationship between fear of missing out (FoMO) and depression, anxiety, materialism, and compulsive buying behavior (CBB). It also examines the potential moderating role of mindfulness in this relationship. Data was collected from 569 participants using a self-administered questionnaire, and analyzed through structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that FoMO positively affects CBB, with depression, social anxiety, and materialism mediating this relationship. Mindfulness significantly moderates the relationship between FoMO and negative consequences. This study highlights the importance of mindfulness-based interventions in mitigating the adverse effects of FoMO on adults' depression, social anxiety, materialism, and CBB.