Longitudinal Effects of Emerging Adults’ Self-Presentation on Social Networking Sites on Fear of Missing Out

Abstract Background The pervasive utilization of social networking sites in the digital era has the potential to precipitate the manifestation of fear of missing out among emerging adults. However, few studies have used longitudinal research to explore the impact of self-presentation on social networking sites on fear of missing out, or examined its underlying mechanisms from an individual-context interaction perspective. Methods The present study employs a longitudinal research design, encompassing three waves of data collection, and involves a sample of 743 emerging adults (Mage = 19.57). The objective of the present study is to examine the longitudinal mediating role of online social comparison and basic psychological needs satisfaction in the effect of self-presentation on social networking sites on fear of missing out. Moreover, the study explores the moderating effect of neuroticism on this mediating process. Results The results showed that: (a) positive self-presentation on social networking sites had a positive impact on the fear of missing out one year later, through a chain mediation effect involving online upward social comparison and basic psychological needs satisfaction; (b) authentic self-presentation on social networking sites exerted a negative influence on emerging adults’ fear of missing out one year later, through the mediation of basic psychological needs satisfaction; (c) neuroticism moderated the initial phase of the mediating process, whereby positive self-presentation on social networking sites, facilitated by online upward social comparison, impacted the experience of fear of missing out. In comparison to emerging adults who exhibit low levels of neuroticism, those who demonstrate high levels of neuroticism have been observed to engage in more online upward social comparison through the practice of positive self-presentation on social networking sites. Conclusions The present study elucidates the underlying mechanisms through which self-presentation on social networking sites influences fear of missing out in emerging adults, thereby offering a theoretical framework for educational interventions.