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The dark side of brands: Exploring fear of missing out, obsessive brand passion, and compulsive buying

Author

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  • Japutra, Arnold
  • Gordon-Wilson, Sianne
  • Ekinci, Yuksel
  • Adam, Elisa Dorothee

Abstract

Understanding the roots of compulsive buying is critical because it often leads to negative outcomes like depression, social anxiety, and debt. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the fear of missing out and brand passion on compulsive brand buying. We collect data from 511 consumers and use partial least squares for the data analysis. The study supports the dual theory of passion, which delineates brand passion into harmonious and obsessive forms, with the latter representing a negative aspect. The findings strongly affirm the relationship between the fear of missing out and both types of brand passion. Obsessive passion emerges as a more significant predictor of compulsive buying. Moreover, the study unveils that consumers’ age moderates the relationship between the fear of missing out and obsessive passion. We recommend marketing strategies to facilitate consumers’ passions driven by the fear of missing out, to encourage and nurture harmonious passion, to foster obsessive passion in a more responsible manner, and to focus on brand-passion-driven marketing towards younger consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Japutra, Arnold & Gordon-Wilson, Sianne & Ekinci, Yuksel & Adam, Elisa Dorothee, 2025. "The dark side of brands: Exploring fear of missing out, obsessive brand passion, and compulsive buying," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:186:y:2025:i:c:s0148296324004946
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114990
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