Motivators of online vulnerability: The impact of social network site use and FOMO

Continued and frequent use of social network sites (SNS) has been linked to a fear of missing out (FOMO) and online self-promotion in the form of friending and information disclosure. The present paper reports findings from 506 UK based Facebook users (53% male) who responded to an extensive online survey about their SNS behaviours and online vulnerability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) suggests that FOMO mediates the relationship between increased SNS use and decreased self-esteem. Self-promoting SNS behaviours provide more complex mediated associations. Longitudinal support (N = 175) is provided for the notion that decreased self-esteem might motivate a potentially detrimental cycle of FOMO-inspired online SNS use. The research considers the implications of social networking on an individual's online vulnerability. •Examines the link between social network site use, FOMO and online vulnerability.•Combines cross-sectional and longitudinal SEM analysis of online vulnerability.•FOMO mediates the relationship between SNS use and online vulnerability.•Online friending and self-disclosure are associated with online vulnerability.•Decreased self-esteem linked to a potentially detrimental FOMO inspired SNS use.