Emotion dysregulation and problematic social media use: the role of need fulfillment and fear of missing out

The growing prevalence of internet usage has sparked a growing interest in understanding the factors that contribute to problematic social media use (PSMU). Prior research has found that emotion dysregulation, need fulfillment, and fear of missing out (FoMO) may play a role in the maintenance of PSMU. This study aims to explore the potential mediating roles of need fulfillment and FoMO in the relationship between emotion dysregulation and PSMU. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), this cross-sectional study enlisted a convenience sample of 1215 young adults aged 18-35 (M = 27.83; SD = 5.31). The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a serial mediation model in which emotion dysregulation served as a predictor variable, need fulfillment as the first mediator, FoMO as the second mediator, and PSMU as the outcome. Additionally, we tested a parallel mediation model, which included emotion dysregulation as a predictor variable, need fulfillment and FoMO as mediators, and PSMU as the outcome, to strengthen the theoretical support for our primary research model. The results showed that the serial mediation model was statistically superior, and that all direct and indirect paths between the study variables were significant. The findings provide support for a new model based on SDT, which may help in understanding the relationship between emotion dysregulation, need fulfillment, FoMO, and PSMU. Programs aimed at enhancing emotion regulation, fostering need fulfillment, and addressing FoMO coping strategies may offer effective interventions to mitigate PSMU concerns.