CRYPTOFOMO ( FOMO-Driven Investment Behaviors: A Psycho-Neurobiological Perspective)

This project starts from the premise that cryptocurrency investment can evolve into a form of online addiction in Spain, as it involves impulsive, short-term, and risky decisions often triggered by FOMO (fear of missing out). News reports highlight how this behavior can lead to overspending, lack of sleep, constant monitoring of crypto prices, and loss of track of time, pointing to an urgent societal issue.

The first goal is to understand the motivations, traits, and profiles of Spanish crypto investors and compare them to the general population. By examining personality characteristics, social media behavior, and market sentiment, the project aims to identify which types of investors are most vulnerable to FOMO and at risk of engaging in problematic or addictive behaviors such as compulsive crypto trading.

The second goal is to use neuroscience techniques to analyze the emotional and cognitive responses that FOMO appeals trigger and how preventive communication strategies might mitigate them. This research will provide insights into how anticipated regret, pleasure, or amusement influence investment decisions, as well as the role of individual psychological traits. The results will help policymakers and public agencies design evidence-based communication campaigns** to reduce the harmful impact of FOMO in cryptocurrency trading, ultimately contributing to financial wellbeing and social psychology research. The project is funded by the AEI 2024 Call – “Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento, ref. PID2024-156442NB-I00″.