Exploring fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among students during COVID-19 pandemic at university level

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to explore how students in a single autonomous institution of Sargodha were affected by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). It was common during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been characterized as "a constant fear that others may be experiencing gratifying experiences that one is losing out on that one is missing out on". Six students were interviewed one-on-one in semi-structured interviews from the first and third semesters. It showed that during COVID-19, students had surprising grassroots support systems that were mostly isolated from one another, such as their fellow students in university. They missed events with peers and fellows and remain confused during pandemic but the significance of social media also added in fear of missing out due to its use during COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers recommend that students should be taught how to manage the situation emotionally when confronted with crises. Students in higher education, as well as people of all ages, could benefit from resilience-building programs. One of the most effective ways for students is to cope with the problems that have a strong sense of self and who is positive and resilient in such type of situations