Research Article

Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping

Volume: 12 Number: 2 June 25, 2026
TR EN

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

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Digital Marketing, Consumer Behaviour

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 25, 2026

Submission Date

April 19, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 16, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 2

APA
Kabasakal, E., & Özhan Dedeoğlu, A. (2026). Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping. Gazi İktisat Ve İşletme Dergisi, 12(2), 183-200. https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX
AMA
1.Kabasakal E, Özhan Dedeoğlu A. Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping. Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi. 2026;12(2):183-200. https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX
Chicago
Kabasakal, Ezgi, and Ayla Özhan Dedeoğlu. 2026. “Online Social Comparison and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in Early Motherhood: Consumption, Influence, and Coping”. Gazi İktisat Ve İşletme Dergisi 12 (2): 183-200. https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX.
EndNote
Kabasakal E, Özhan Dedeoğlu A (June 1, 2026) Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping. Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi 12 2 183–200.
IEEE
[1]E. Kabasakal and A. Özhan Dedeoğlu, “Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping”, Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 183–200, June 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX
ISNAD
Kabasakal, Ezgi - Özhan Dedeoğlu, Ayla. “Online Social Comparison and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in Early Motherhood: Consumption, Influence, and Coping”. Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi 12/2 (June 1, 2026): 183-200. https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX.
JAMA
1.Kabasakal E, Özhan Dedeoğlu A. Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping. Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi. 2026;12:183–200.
MLA
Kabasakal, Ezgi, and Ayla Özhan Dedeoğlu. “Online Social Comparison and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in Early Motherhood: Consumption, Influence, and Coping”. Gazi İktisat Ve İşletme Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 183-00, https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX.
Vancouver
1.Ezgi Kabasakal, Ayla Özhan Dedeoğlu. Online social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) in early motherhood: Consumption, influence, and coping. Gazi İktisat ve İşletme Dergisi [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 1;12(2):183-200. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA55NU34SX