Understanding the Adverse Effects of Enterprise Social Media on Employees via FoMO

Purpose: Enterprise social media (ESM) technology has transformed workplace communication, actively driving the progress of organizations and their employees. However, an increasing number of studies suggest that ESM is a double-edged sword. This study integrates the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework with the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) theory within the context of ESM. It considers the stress experienced by employees while using ESM as an antecedent to FoMO and explores its negative impact on employees’ emotional changes and subsequent behaviors. Research design, data and methodology: Data collection was conducted through an online survey targeting enterprise employees who use ESM in their daily work (N=400). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the research model and hypotheses. Results: The findings reveal that FoMO significantly mediates stress (including both challenge stress and hindrance stress) and negative employee reactions. Conclusions: The results expand the literature on FoMO in the context of ESM and provide new insights into existing research on workplace stressors. These findings also offer practical implications for enterprise managers and policymakers in understanding employee experiences with ESM.