From Binge Scrolling to Problematic Technology Use: Fear of Missing Out as a Self-Regulatory Mediator

Binge-scrolling, the consecutive viewing of digital content, may contribute to maladaptive technology use behaviors such as Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) and Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU). Grounded in Compensatory-Internet Use Theory (CUIT), the present study examined whether Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) mediated the relationships between binge-scrolling, PSU, and PSMU. A total of 428 adults (Mage = 40.82, SD = 12.54, range = 18 to 80) who were nearly equally represented in terms of sex (Male = 213, Female = 214, Prefer not to say = 1) from the United States were recruited to participate in the research by completing validated self-report measures. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test two hypothesized models. Results indicated that binge-scrolling was positively associated with FoMO, PSU and PSMU and that the pathway between binge-scrolling and PSU/PSMU was mediated by FoMO. FoMO may amplify monitoring-related engagement, linking binge-scrolling to PSU and PSMU. Collectively, this research suggests that FoMO may function as a potential self-regulatory monitoring mechanism within compensatory technology use. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.