Parallel Mediation of FoMO and Loneliness in the Relationship Between Narcissism on Social Media and Mental Well-Being

The rapid growth of technology has significantly transformed how individuals present themselves and interact with others on social media. This rapid change calls for a reassessment of the links between individuals' psychological characteristics and mental health. One of the psychological characteristics increasingly examined in this context is narcissism, particularly in relation to social media use. To better understand the connection between narcissism on social media and mental well-being, this study examines how loneliness and FoMO (fear of missing out) play a mediating effect. A total of 356 participants—214 women and 142 men—participated in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized mediation model and examine both direct and indirect relationships among the study variables. The findings indicate that FoMO and loneliness act as parallel mediators in the pathways from narcissism on social media to mental well-being. Narcissism on social media is a positive predictor of loneliness and FoMO, but loneliness and FoMO are negative predictors of mental well-being. Therefore, individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies on social media experience loneliness and anxiety related to their constant engagement with these platforms, both of which adversely impact their mental well-being.