Storing, Not Reading: Investigating the Link Between Upward Social Comparison via Social Media and Digital Hoarding Behavior in Chinese Youth.

Background: Digital hoarding has emerged as a pervasive psychological phenomenon and behavioral challenge among contemporary youth. This study focused on exploring the relationship between upward social comparison via social media, fear of missing out (FoMO), mindfulness, digital hoarding behavior, and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: A total of 927 young people participated in this cross-sectional study. Research instruments included the Social Comparison Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, the Mindfulness Measure, and the Digital Hoarding Behavior Questionnaire. The data analysis comprised descriptive statistics and correlation analyses. Advanced analyses were conducted using Model 4 for mediation and Model 8 for moderation from the PROCESS macro. Results: (1) Upward social comparison via social media was a strong predictor of digital hoarding behavior, even after controlling for variables such as gender, age, and education. (2) FoMO mediated the relationship between upward social comparison via social media and digital hoarding. (3) Mindfulness moderated both the direct effect of upward social comparison via social media on digital hoarding and the first segment of the mediating role of FoMO. Discussion: The study further clarified the antecedents and psychological mechanisms that drive digital hoarding behavior. The findings contribute new perspectives for understanding the emerging concept of digital hoarding, while providing empirical evidence and valuable guidance for encouraging young adults to use social media responsibly and reduce impulsive hoarding tendencies.