Shop Now, Regret Later: The Role of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Social Influence on Consumers' Purchasing Intentions

Abstract

It is important to understand that limited-time offers, social comparison, online reviews, and influencer content are all factors that amplify the consumers' experience at these digital marketplaces, and that the impact of fear of missing out (FOMO) and social influence on consumers' purchasing decisions has not been sufficiently studied in the local context. This study aimed to identify the magnitude of FOMO, social influence, and purchase intention; test the relationships among them; identify differences in FOMO magnitude across demographic groups; and formulate a strategy for informed purchasing decisions. The study used a quantitative descriptive-correlational-comparative design, with 175 employed consumers (age 18-29) who have previously bought products in Mandaluyong City as respondents. The researcher gathered the data using a four-point survey questionnaire with a high coefficient of internal consistency for the main parts of the instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = .945–.959). The statistical tools employed were means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation, and analysis of variance. Overall, participants showed high FOMO, especially in compulsive checking, social comparison, and fear of being left out, and low emotional impulsivity. The other high scores were for social influence and purchasing intention. FOMO dimensions were highly and positively correlated with purchasing intention (r = .622–.686, p < .001), and social-influence dimensions also exhibited positive and similarly strong relationships (r = .620–.723, p < .001). FOMO was generally similar across demographic groups, except for certain age and platform-preference groups. The results suggest that psychological urgency and socially mediated cues influence purchasing intentions together. Consumer education and digital-literacy programs, clear promotions, spending tools, and ethical influencer practices are recommended to help with conscious and responsible buying.