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Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Online Subjective Well-Being (OSWB): Examining the Mediating Role of Social Media Overload (SMO)

Author

Listed:
  • Sazimah Mohamed Salleh
  • Erne Suzilla Kassim
  • Ramita Abdul Rahim
  • Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram
  • Noor Zalina Zainal

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sazimah Mohamed Salleh & Erne Suzilla Kassim & Ramita Abdul Rahim & Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram & Noor Zalina Zainal, 2025. "Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Online Subjective Well-Being (OSWB): Examining the Mediating Role of Social Media Overload (SMO)," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 17(3), pages 443-447.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnd:arimbr:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:443-447
    DOI: 10.22610/imbr.v17i3(I).4694
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Luca Braghieri & Ro'ee Levy & Alexey Makarin, 2022. "Social Media and Mental Health," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 112(11), pages 3660-3693, November.
    3. Ceren Hayran & Lalin Anik, 2021. "Well-Being and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Digital Content in the Time of COVID-19: A Correlational Analysis among University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-13, February.
    4. Cao, Xiongfei & Yu, Lingling, 2019. "Exploring the influence of excessive social media use at work: A three-dimension usage perspective," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 83-92.
    5. Tandon, Anushree & Dhir, Amandeep & Islam, Nazrul & Talwar, Shalini & Mäntymäki, Matti, 2021. "Psychological and behavioral outcomes of social media-induced fear of missing out at the workplace," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 186-197.
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