How Social Exclusion Fuels Compulsive Buying: The Roles of FoMO and Narcissism Across Cultures

What is it about?

The study investigates the interplay between social exclusion, compulsive buying behavior, fear of missing out (FoMO), and narcissism. It explores how FoMO mediates and narcissism moderates the relationship between social exclusion and compulsive buying, analyzing data from 1007 university students in Turkey and Denmark. Results indicate that social exclusion leads to increased compulsive buying, partly through FoMO, with narcissism moderating these relationships differently in each country. In Turkey, narcissism affects only the relationship between social exclusion and FoMO, while in Denmark, it also influences the link between FoMO and compulsive buying. The study highlights cultural differences, suggesting that individualism and social media usage patterns may impact these dynamics.

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Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it examines the complex interactions between social exclusion, compulsive buying behavior, fear of missing out (FoMO), and narcissism, which are significant factors influencing consumer behavior in the digital age. Understanding these relationships could lead to more effective interventions to mitigate compulsive buying and its associated negative consequences. Additionally, the study's cross-cultural analysis provides insights into how these dynamics vary across different societal contexts, which is crucial for developing culturally sensitive strategies to address these issues. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the psychological and social factors driving consumer behavior and highlights the impact of social media on these behaviors. Key Takeaways: 1. Mediating Role of FoMO: The study reveals that FoMO partially mediates the relationship between social exclusion and compulsive buying behavior, suggesting that individuals experiencing social exclusion may be more prone to compulsive buying due to increased FoMO. 2. Moderating Role of Narcissism: Narcissism moderates the relationship between social exclusion and FoMO in both Turkey and Denmark, but it also influences the connection between FoMO and compulsive buying behavior in Denmark, indicating cultural variations in these dynamics. 3. Cultural Differences: The research highlights significant differences between Turkey and Denmark regarding how social exclusion, FoMO, and narcissism interact, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored approaches to address compulsive buying behavior and its underlying causes.