Gen Z and <scp>FoMO</scp> : A Configurational Analysis of Psychological Factors and Digital Dependence

OBJECTIVE: This research investigates the configurational antecedents of multifaceted Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) in Generation Z. The research explores the complex interdependencies of psychological factors and digital dependence (problematic social media use) factors giving rise to FoMO in Gen Z. METHOD: We used a survey research design combined with fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to examine the phenomenon among the Gen Z (n = 100) from a configurational rather than traditional linear perspective. RESULTS: Leveraging evidence from Gen Z social media users, the analysis demonstrates six different causal paths to high FoMO. They involve social comparison and validation need-driven configurations, emotionally dependent configurations including loneliness and anxiety, and vulnerabilities-rooted configurations. The results underline the complex, multifaceted nature of FoMO and reinforce the necessity for taking into consideration multiple interacting influences over isolated predictors. CONCLUSION: The study provides useful guidelines for practitioners and managers on mitigating challenges posed by FoMO among Gen Z. This research provides novelty by synthesizing psychological factors and digital dependence within a configurational theory of FoMO among Gen Z and offers a differential view of FoMO, adding new insights on the interaction between psychological factors and digital dependence specifically among the Gen Z cohort.