Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping
Abstract
This study examines how early-stage mothers engage with social networking sites (SNS) to navigate their roles as caregivers and consumers, focusing on the impact of social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) on their consumption behaviors and self-perception. By integrating the concepts of FOMO, motherhood identity, and digital socialization, the research addresses gaps in the literature on consumer behavior and digital identity. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings show that SNS engagement intensifies FOMO, influencing mothers' consumption choices, desires, and coping strategies in response to psychosocial challenges. The study highlights SNS's dual role: it provides support and efficiency while also presenting challenges, such as misinformation and unrealistic portrayals. While SNS facilitates community-building and product discovery, excessive use exacerbates FOMO, leading mothers to adopt strategies for resilience and well-being in a digital age. This research contributes to understanding digital motherhood by showing how SNS both empowers and constrains early-stage mothers, shaping their consumption choices and self-perceptions. It reveals that while SNS can offer support and efficiency, it also reinforces unattainable ideals, fueling anxiety and self-doubt.
Keywords
References
- Abel, J. P., Buff, C. L., and Burr, S. A. (2016). Social media and the fear of missing out: Scale development and assessment. Journal of Business and Economics Research, 14(1), 33-44. doi:10.19030/jber.v14i1.9554
- Afflerback, S., Anthony, A. K., Carter, S. K., and Grauerholz, L. (2014). Consumption Rituals in the Transition to Motherhood. Gender Issues, 31, 1-20. doi:10.1007/s12147-014-9115-0
- Aguiar, J., Matias, M., Braz, A. C., César, F., Coimbra, S., Gaspar, M. F., and Fontaine, A. M. (2021). Parental burnout and the COVID‐19 pandemic: How Portuguese parents experienced lockdown measures. Family Relations, 70(4), 927-938. doi:10.1111/fare.12558
- Archer, C., and Kao, K. T. (2018). Mother, baby and Facebook makes three: Does social media provide social support for new mothers? Media International Australia, 168(1), 122-139. doi:10.1177/1329878x18783016
- Argan, M., Tokay Argan, M., and İpek, G. (2018). I wish I were! Anatomy of a fomsumer. Journal of Internet Applications and Management, 9(1), 43-57. doi:10.34231/iuyd.407055
- Aydin, D., Selvi, Y., Kandeger, A., and Boysan, M. (2021). The relationship of consumers’ compulsive buying behavior with biological rhythm, impulsivity, and fear of missing out. Biological Rhythm Research, 52(10), 1514-1522. doi:10.1080/09291016.2019.1654203
- Baattaiah, B. A., Alharbi, M. D., Babteen, N. M., Al-Maqbool, H. M., Babgi, F. A., and Albatati, A. A. (2023). The relationship between fatigue, sleep quality, resilience, and the risk of postpartum depression: an emphasis on maternal mental health. BMC psychology, 11(1), 10. doi:10.1186/s40359-023-01043-3
- Baker, Z. G., Krieger, H., and LeRoy, A. S. (2016). Fear of missing out: Relationships with depression, mindfulness, and physical symptoms. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 2(3), 275–282. doi:10.1037/tps0000075
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Digital Marketing, Consumer Behaviour
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ezgi Kabasakal
*
0000-0001-8204-1970
Türkiye
Publication Date
June 25, 2026
Submission Date
April 19, 2025
Acceptance Date
February 16, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 2