FOMO-driven binge-scrolling and eudaimonic wellbeingShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, ISSN 0969-6989, E-ISSN 1873-1384, Vol. 92, article id 104752Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
To reduce their fear-of-missing-out, social media users may be lured into binge-scrolling short-form videos (e.g., reels). While platforms may cultivate users' binge-scrolling behavior (e.g., to raise revenue), understanding of the impact of binge-scrolling on user wellbeing lags behind, exposing an important gap. Drawing on the Zeigarnik effect and dual-process theory, we propose user mindfulness as an antidote to FOMO-driven binge-scrolling by enabling users to better regulate their digital impulses. To explore these issues, we adopt a mixed-methods design. Study 1 employs qualitative interviews and a focus group to capture the psychological, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of binge-scrolling to develop a conceptual model. Study 2 empirically tests the model using survey data. The CB-SEM findings underscore the paradoxical role of FOMO in fueling binge-scrolling behavior on the one hand, while fostering loneliness and reducing eudaimonic well-being on the other. Importantly, user mindfulness emerges as a significant moderating factor that can disrupt this vicious cycle, creating healthier scrolling behavior. Overall, this research contributes novel insight to the dark side of binge-scrolling and offers actionable insights for scholars, policymakers, and platform designers seeking to balance the commercial benefits of scrolling and user well-being.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2026. Vol. 92, article id 104752
Keywords [en]
Binge-scrolling, Dual-process theory, Eudaimonic wellbeing, FOMO, Mindfulness, Social media, Zeigarnik effect
National Category
Media and Communication Studies Psychology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-250847DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2026.104752ISI: 001695613700001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105030195302OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-250847DiVA, id: diva2:2045167
2026-03-112026-03-112026-03-11Bibliographically approved