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The impact of fear of missing out on conspicuous consumption: the mediating role of self-esteem

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  • Zhi-Wei Jiang
  • Shu-Ya Chang

Abstract

This study probes how the fear of missing out (FOMO) shapes status-oriented purchasing and assesses self-esteem as an explanatory mechanism alongside gender as a boundary condition. Employing purposive sampling, we gathered 561 valid questionnaires from employed adults in mainland China. Structural-equation modelling shows that FOMO directly bolsters conspicuous buying, whereas robust self-esteem dampens it. FOMO also erodes self-esteem, which partially conveys its influence on conspicuous consumption. Tests for moderation indicate that these pathways are essentially the same for men and women. Taken together, the findings reveal that social-media-driven anxiety fuels conspicuous spending both outright and through diminished self-esteem, while gender exerts little additional impact. The work enriches understanding of the psychological engines behind conspicuous consumption and offers practical guidance for marketers and consumer-education initiatives aimed at encouraging more considered purchasing behaviour.

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  • Zhi-Wei Jiang & Shu-Ya Chang, 2025. "The impact of fear of missing out on conspicuous consumption: the mediating role of self-esteem," International Journal of Economics and Business Research, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 29(18), pages 1-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijecbr:v:29:y:2025:i:18:p:1-19
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