Boyhood, Online Harms, and Strength-based Educative Approaches in an Era of Digital Restrictions

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is an ongoing phenomenon. It is particularly important in the field of marketing as it is linked to impulsive shopping behaviour and other consequences that can affect the brand–consumer relationship. Existing literature suggests that FOMO is influenced by social media consumption, the level of collectivism versus individualism, and a sense of belonging. The present study deepens understanding of FOMO by examining its associations with social media consumption both in English and in consumers’ ethnic languages, collectivism versus individualism, and ethnic identity. The data were obtained via an online survey of 3,286 respondents of different ethnicities (non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, African American, Asian American). The results show that while consumption of English-language social media is not significantly related to FOMO, the consumption of social media in other languages appears to be a significant predictor of FOMO. The study also finds that collectivism and ethnic identity appear to have a strong correlation with FOMO and can be used as predictors of FOMO. These findings support the idea that FOMO is highly cultural. The paper goes on to discuss how these conclusions contribute to the literature, along with the managerial implications of the findings.

ABSTRACTThe human need to belong is an innate drive that dictates much of our behavior. Informed by The Belongingness Hypothesis and Information Foraging Theory, the present study examines the relationship between FoMO and well-being. Study 1 (107 college students) investigates the relationship between FoMO, social media intensity and social connection. Results find that FoMO is positively associated with social media intensity, but negatively associated with social connection. The mediation tests, interestingly, reveal more positive results regarding FoMO. Specifically, FoMO has a positive indirect effect on social connection through social media intensity, suggesting that FoMO may, in some cases, be a good thing leading to enhanced social connection. Study 2 (458 college students) finds that FoMO impacts subjective well-being both directly (negatively) and indirectly (positively) through its impact on social media intensity and social connection. Results of the two studies reveal a nuanced model of FoMO and its relationships with social media intensity, connection, and well-being. FoMO can have a positive impact on well-being if it leads to social media use that fosters social connection. Study limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Self-tracking technologies and apps (Fitbits, Strava etc.), have become increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, spaces and embodiments. In this paper, I draw on data from digital interviews with young people aged 18–26, and an auto-netnography of my own experiences, to explore the role of the entanglement of digital and material space in young people's emotional experience of self-tracking. This paper uses a feminist new materialism framework, applying the theory of intra-action to recognise how the coming together of humans, digital and material space, objects and emotions produce assemblages which have affective capacities. Whilst previous research has employed feminist new materialist understandings to examine affective and emotional encounters with technology, little attention has been paid to the entanglement of material and digital spaces and their role within this. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the specificities of young people's experiences. To fill these gaps, I think with feminist new materialism and work within digital geographies to examine how young people reconfigure their use of and experience of space in relation to self-tracking and analyse the affective capacities of the self-tracking assemblage when young people are tied to a space, in relation to their everyday lives and the covid-19 pandemic. • Combines feminist new materialism and digital geography. • Focuses on the entanglement of digital/material space in self-tracking assemblages. • Focuses on young people's socio-spatial contexts. • Considers the changing meaning and agency given to material and digital space. • Space's contribution to affective forces and emotional responses.

Aim/Purpose: The main objective of this study is to explore the relationships among social media experience processes, peer influence, and fear of missing out (FoMO), as well as their impact on adolescent students’ choice of participation in academic activities. Background: The increasing digitization of the world has consolidated social media as a dominant means of communication in the modern era. Adolescents are heavily engaged with smartphones and social platforms, resulting in substantial exposure to their influences. This exposure leads to a rise in sharing academic achievements and experiences on social media platforms. This trend has transformed academic success into a symbol of admiration, affecting how young individuals perceive their educational activities. During adolescence, a phase characterized by heightened vulnerability and intense social connections, young people become more susceptible to phenomena such as peer influence and FoMO. Social media, serving as a platform to showcase experiences and achievements, plays a pivotal role in shaping peer norms that subsequently impact peer influence and FoMO. Given the significant interplay between social media, peer influence, and FoMO, there is a need to explore whether social media experiences can predict academic-related peer influence and FoMO, as well as understand their interrelationships. This exploration is essential for understanding the cumulative impact of these factors on students’ academic pursuits. These insights hold the potential to guide the effective management of the potentially excessive effects of social media, thus promoting a more balanced and productive student life when confronting contemporary challenges. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative approach, using 5-point Likert scales to collect data via an online survey. The questionnaire was designed based on the theoretical framework regarding transformations of peer experiences in social media contexts developed by Nesi and co-researchers, which mainly interpreted the characterization of social media and how its features could amplify or alter the formation of Peer Influence and FoMO. The data from 419 valid responses from secondary and high school students in Vietnam were analyzed using reliability tests, factor analysis methods, and structural equation modeling (SEM) methods. Contribution: This research is meaningful in raising awareness of researchers, students, teachers, and parents about the vigorous impacts of social media on students’ academic activities and serves as the foundation for further research on regulation methods to secure healthy social media use and academic development. Findings: It was found that social media was characterized by two latent variables: Online Peer Norms and Novel Peer Experiences. The results showed that both factors were strong predictors of peer influence, while for FoMO, only the variable of Online Peer Norms was a significant predictor. FoMO was found to mediate the impact of social media experience on peer influence. Finally, peer influence relatively affected students’ participation in academic activities, while FoMO did not. Recommendations for Practitioners: The results suggested that social media can be a means to encourage positive academic participation and, thus, can be utilized in spreading educational programs and promoting academic motivation. At the same time, measures to counteract academic pressure should also take social media into consideration. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers can utilize the framework of this study to investigate other adolescent media-related mental and behavioral phenomena as well. In addition, researchers should build a clearer understanding of FoMO’s interactions with academic matters. Impact on Society: Social media can either be a great assistance or a huge risk to the development of future generations of society. It is capable of spurring mental and behavioral changes that can radically impact youths’ growth on their educational paths. Future Research: The relationship between peer influence and FoMO should be delved into from more diverse dimensions. Future research should encompass peer influence and social media’s involvement in academic self-concepts and well-being.

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the personal narratives of Filipino adolescents about the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and how it affects their overall life situations. By delving into their experiences, this research aimed to uncover the unique ways that FOMO shapes their emotions, behaviors, and social interactions, providing a deeper insight into their daily struggles and coping mechanisms. Introduction/Background: The study encapsulated the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a common experience among active social media users, especially young people. Social media is a platform where contents are filtered, and only happy and joyful moments are seen. Because of the frequent posting of happy moments and successes on social media, many people perceive others' lives as perfect and feel pitiful about their own lives. People feel that they are not included or that their lives are lacking compared to others. Studies have found that FOMO has a negative impact on self-esteem and mental well-being, and excessive use of social media makes it worse, as it can create negative feelings of envy towards what individuals perceive from social media. Methodology: A qualitative research design that used narrative analysis was chosen to examine how Filipino youth experience Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in relation to social media use and offline interactions. The study was conducted in the City of Cagayan de Oro, located in the northern part of Mindanao. The researchers selected eight (8) Filipino youths aged 13 to 18 who had experienced FOMO. To obtain the necessary data, a semi-structured interview guide created by the researchers was used as the main research instrument. Since some participants were minors, a consent form was prepared to inform parents of the purpose and method of the study to address ethical considerations. Upon obtaining consent, the researchers set up an interview schedule with each participant. The participants were also asked to fill out an assent form. The researchers utilized open-ended questions to allow participants to reveal their experiences of FOMO. The researchers made audio recordings of the interviews to ensure data accuracy and reliability. The recordings were then transcribed to facilitate analysis. In terms of data analysis, the researchers utilized three levels of narrative analysis: personal, positional, and societal. On a personal level, participants' individual experiences and how they personally experienced FOMO were explored. At the positional level, differences in the social positions of the narrator and the listener were examined. The societal level looked at society's broader view of FOMO, and how it is affected by social factors. The data analysis was divided into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. The beginning focused on the individual or personal impact of FOMO. The middle part examined the influence of social networks and relationships with others, especially the role of social belongingness. The final section focused on the broader impact of social media on FOMO, specifically the value of online visibility and social media as a source of personal satisfaction and confidence. Findings: The results showed that due to social media, Filipino adolescents experienced FOMO which affected their self-worth, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging. The frequency of social media use affected adolescents significantly. Many relied on likes and reactions for validation, feeling inadequate when they received little engagement, while social comparisons intensified feelings of exclusion and self-doubt. Peer pressure pushed them to maintain an idealized online presence, often conflicting with their true selves and creating a struggle between social belonging and personal values. Additionally, what individuals perceived on social media affected their self-perception, conflicting with their overall well-being. Some participants recognized the need to detach their self-worth from social media, focusing instead on real-life experiences, personal growth, and meaningful relationships. The findings revealed that social media contributes significantly to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, with adolescents often comparing themselves to others' curated online personas. Despite temporary validation through online engagement, many participants reported a cycle of dependence on social media to avoid missing out. In contrast, in-person interactions offered a sense of belonging and relief from exclusion. Contribution/Impact on Society: The study highlighted the psychological and social impacts of FOMO, and calls for interventions such as digital literacy programs and peer support groups to help adolescents healthily navigate these challenges. Recommendations: It is recommended that educators, parents, and mental health professionals help reduce the feeling of FOMO among adolescents by promoting social media literacy, encouraging open discussions, and providing coping strategies to build self-esteem and resilience against FOMO. Research Limitation: Due to the cultural context, the FOMO discussion may have unique characteristics that would not occur elsewhere. Future Research: Future research should explore the nuances of FOMO in different cultural contexts to provide a broader understanding of its impact and how to develop more effective interventions. Additionally, exploring the role of parental guidance and educational interventions in mitigating FOMO could provide valuable insights into preventive measures.

Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) continues to be an under-researched phenomenon and is a form of problematic use of the Internet (commonly mistaken for Internet addiction). FOMO is a behaviour connected with the avalanche of information and the development of new digital technologies. Young people in particular are exposed to FOMO. Age is a predictive factor for different types of problematic Internet use. Therefore, coverage by specific diagnostic and preventive activities is a special task for experts in media pedagogy. The aim of the research was to show the scale of the FOMO phenomenon among Polish adolescents. The research covered 979 adolescents aged 13–18 years. The research was conducted with the use of the questionnaire “Social Media Use and the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO)” throughout Poland in the school year 2018–2019. On the basis of the collected data it was noted that: 1) the most frequent symptom of FOMO is the use of social networking sites just before bedtime (about 70% of respondents) and just after waking up (about 50% of respondents); 2) About 30% of respondents are classified as possessing strong FOMO characteristics, about 43.5% have an average FOMO level, 26.5% have a problem-free use of SNS; 3) All FOMO factors coexist at medium or high levels; 4) Girls have a slightly higher FOMO level than boys; 5) Variables related to place of residence, type of school, grade average, and subjective sense of wealth are related to FOMO intensity. FOMO is an important challenge for education, the prevention of risky behaviour in cyberspace, and the development of the information society.

Social media platforms, designed to facilitate connectivity, have a complex impact on psychological well-being. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage, loneliness, and the fear of missing out among young people in Slovakia, focusing on gender differences. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data was collected from 225 university students (70.2% female, 29.8% male) through the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ), and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Scale. Statistical analyses conducted included linear regression and correlation analyses; the results showed no significant correlation between social media use and loneliness (r = 0.08, p = 0.11), although a weak to moderately strong positive correlation was found between loneliness in women and FOMO (r = 0.24, p = 0.001). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was identified between FOMO and social media use (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), with FOMO predicting increased social media engagement. The study concludes that while social media use does not directly predict loneliness, FOMO significantly influences social media engagement among young people. These findings underscore the importance of considering psychological factors like FOMO in understanding students’ social media behaviour and point to the need for gender-specific approaches to digital wellness.

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) phenomenon on the formation and negotiation of student identities at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) Universitas Tanjungpura (Untan) Pontianak. This research aims to examine how FOMO influences students' cultural identity representation in cross-cultural digital interactions, specifically in social media platforms. Additionally, it seeks to explore the extent to which social media strengthens or weakens students' awareness of their own and others' cultural identities, and to identify the role of digital peer pressure in shaping students' self-presentation behaviors. Lastly, the study will investigate the communication strategies employed by FISIP Untan students to manage FOMO pressures while preserving their authentic cultural identities in intercultural digital spaces. This study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach using a multicultural case study method. The participants include students from diverse ethnic backgrounds within FISIP Untan Pontianak. Data were analyzed thematically and triangulated for validity. Based on this framework, the study identifies three key research questions: (1) How does the experience of FOMO influence the formation and negotiation of student identity in cross-cultural digital interactions? (2) To what extent does social media strengthen or weaken students’ awareness of their own and others’ cultural identities in the context of FOMO? (3) What role does digital peer pressure play in shaping cross-cultural students’ self-representation behavior in the FOMO era?The findings reveal three major conclusions: First, FOMO significantly affects the formation and negotiation of student identity within intercultural digital spaces. Second, social media plays a dual role - both reinforcing and undermining students' cultural identity awareness. Third, digital peer pressure serves as a central force shaping students' self-representation in intercultural contexts during the FOMO era. Overall, FOMO and digital peer pressure generate a complex space where cross-cultural students dynamically negotiate their identities. Social media thus becomes both a platform and a challenge in balancing the pursuit of social recognition with the preservation of authentic cultural identity. Key insights include: (1) FOMO as a trigger for cultural identity negotiation; (2) cultural identity becoming increasingly performative in digital spaces; (3) digital peer pressure weakening attachment to local culture; (4) social media as a site of cultural negotiation rather than mere expression; and (5) students demonstrating adaptability, yet in need of critical intercultural awareness.

Loneliness is a growing concern among doctoral students, yet limited research has examined digital-age stressors as potential risk factors. Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) may heighten loneliness by fostering constant social comparison and online vigilance, which reduce authentic social engagement and amplify feelings of exclusion. While FoMO has been linked to emotional distress in younger student groups, its psychological and social mechanisms in doctoral education remain underexplored. This study examines whether Sense of Coherence (SoC) and Social Connectedness (SC), two protective factors against loneliness, mediate the FoMO–loneliness relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 626 doctoral students (51.4% male, 48.6% female; mean age = 28.6 years, SD = 3.2) from public and private universities in Putian, China. Participants completed validated self-report measures of FoMO, SoC, SC, and loneliness. Data were analyzed using correlation and parallel mediation analysis via PROCESS Macro (Model 4), controlling for age and gender. The results indicated that FoMO was positively associated with loneliness and negatively associated with both SoC and SC. Both SoC and SC significantly predicted lower loneliness. Parallel mediation analysis confirmed significant indirect effects of FoMO on loneliness through both mediators, with the path through SC being slightly stronger. All scales demonstrated strong internal consistency, and model fit indices supported construct validity. The findings suggested that loneliness among doctoral students is shaped not only by external digital influences such as FoMO but also by internal psychological resources and social integration. To address loneliness in doctoral education, targeted interventions should aim to reduce FoMO-related stress, strengthen students’ SoC, and foster meaningful peer relationships within academic environments. Doctoral training programs should consider embedding structured peer support, resilience-building activities, and digital wellness education as part of broader efforts to support student well-being.

Individual differences in Fear of Missing Out (FoMO): Age, gender, and the Big Five personality trait domains, facets, and items

Background/Objectives: Social networks have brought exciting possibilities for interacting with others in real time, anywhere in the world. However, problematic social network use (PSNU) causes distress and dysfunction in daily life. Young people may be vulnerable due to their high degree of digital connectivity and the particularities of psychosocial development. The primary aim of this study was to assess the presence of PSNU and its relationship with anxiety, depression, stress, fear of missing out (FoMO), and experiential avoidance in young people, while also examining gender differences. Methods: An online survey was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 219 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 (M = 20.50, SD = 2.42; 74.4% women), which included self-report measures of the aforementioned variables. Results: A total of 27.4% reported PSNU, but there were no differences by gender. PSNU was positively and significantly related to all the variables analyzed, with the highest correlations being with FoMO and experiential avoidance, especially in women. Regression analysis showed that the set of variables explains 17.2% of the variance in PSNU, but only FoMO contributed positively and significantly to PSNU in the overall sample and in women, but not in men. Conclusions: This is the first study to jointly compare the predictive power of key variables (anxiety, depression, stress, experiential avoidance, and FoMO) on PSNU in young adults. Additionally, we examined gender differences and utilized validated instruments. Our results show that only FoMO plays a relevant role in accounting for PSNU variance, although more so in women than in men. Also, the scores in experiential avoidance are significantly higher in women compared with men. These results support the idea that PSNU may serve as a strategy for avoiding distress, specifically FoMO, particularly in women. In terms of clinical implications, it would be highly interesting to analyze the ways and contexts in which social media could be used in a healthier manner and in alignment with personal values.

Perception of fear of missing out (FoMO) has been a prevalent phenomenon in social media users. Adopting questionnaire survey, the finding shows that Chinese social media users are experiencing FoMO, and younger people with higher level of FoMO. In detail, FoMO is significantly related to social media engagement, both of its frequency and single-use time. And sex is a important moderator, females are more likely to increase social media engagement, it was different from non-Asian users in dealing with FoMO. The finding also shows FoMO can promote users information behavior, such as liking, commenting and forwarding, but the promotion of information avoidance behavior, such as diving, shielding and ignoring, requires further research.

This study investigates the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in North Sumatran society, particularly among Generation Z, in relation to self-esteem and social media usage. The research employs a quantitative approach with a correlational survey design, involving a sample of 150 respondents aged 12-24 years from various regions in North Sumatra who are active users of social media platforms. The study utilizes three main questionnaires: FOMO scale, social media addiction scale, and self-esteem scale. Multiple regression analysis is used to determine the involvement of each independent variable (self-esteem and social media usage) in the dependent variable (FOMO). The results reveal that both self-esteem and social media usage have a significant positive influence on FOMO. Interestingly, higher self-esteem is found to be associated with increased FOMO, suggesting that self-esteem in this context may be contingent on social validation and can strengthen the desire for digital existence. The high use of social media platforms also reinforces a sense of connectedness and a desire to socialize, which, if unfulfilled, can lead to anxiety due to the fear of being left behind. The study highlights the importance of understanding the quality of self-esteem in the current cultural and digital context and the need for digital literacy based on Islamic values to promote critical awareness of social expectations manipulated in digital spaces. The findings have practical implications for creating strategies to improve the identity and psychological resilience of young people amidst the digital culture in North Sumatra.

Millennials use technology extensively, including excessive smartphone use, which leads to a lack of direct social interaction with their surrounding environment. This issue affects individuals’ social connectedness and results in fear of missing out (FoMO) due to continuous use of social media. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between fear of missing out (FoMO) and social connectedness among millennials. The method used in this study is a quantitative method. The sampling technique applied is purposive sampling, and the data analysis used is Pearson product–moment correlation. The researcher used the Social Connectedness Scale based on aspects companionship, affiliation, and connectedness. Meanwhile, the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) scale was developed based on aspects autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Based on the findings, the hypothesis test obtained a significance value of 0.000 (p < 0.001) with an r value of 0.316. These results indicate that there is a highly significant positive relationship between fear of missing out (FoMO) and social connectedness among millennials.

The increase in the use of social media is an interesting phenomenon, especially for young adults. This phenomenon triggers various studies on the impact and motives of using social media. This research specifically aims to examine more deeply the phenomenon of Instagram use and the fear of loss (FoMO) in young adults. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach with an online survey method on 350 young adults (M = 20.51, SD = 1.96). The online survey consists of research information and consent forms to participate in the study; three research measuring tools (FoMO, Passive Instagram Use, and Instagram Motive); and participant demographic data. Information about this research is disseminated through Instagram Story uploads and by snowball. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP 0.14.1 (JASP Team, 2020) and IBM AMOS 21. The results of the analysis showed a good model fit and that motivation and passive use of Instagram were positively and significantly associated with FoMO with varying strengths. It was discovered that the motivation for using Instagram – dating, making new friends, academic, social connection, entertainment, self-expression, and information – did not play a significant role in FoMO, but the motivation for following and monitoring others and social recognition did. The sort of social media activity a person engages in is less essential than the type of content exposed on Instagram. Another research finding is that the relationship between motivation to use Instagram and FoMO is not mediated by passive use of Instagram.