A Study on How Social Media FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Impacts the Gen Z Audience
Debangana Chakrabarti
Debangana Chakrabarti, Assistant Professor, Department of Media Science, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, India.
Manuscript received on 19 July 2024 | Revised Manuscript received on 27 July 2024 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 September 2024 | Manuscript published on 30 September 2024 | PP: 1-6 | Volume-4 Issue-1, September 2024 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijmcj.E108303050924 | DOI:10.54105/ijmcj.E1083.04010924
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Generation Z, or Gen Z, refers to people born between 1995 and 2010, often known as “zoomers,” the first generation to embrace the internet entirely. This paper examines the impact of social media-induced Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Generation Z, which is shaped by the characteristics of digital nativity and extensive engagement with social media platforms. Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO, was uniquely introduced in 2004 with the rise of social networking sites. It centres on anxiety and how, for Gen Z, this plays a pivotal role in making one feel absent from rewarding experiences. This study examines the impact on mental health, psychological well-being, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. It explores social media analytics regarding usage, compulsive checking, behavioural consequences, following trends, and reallife social interactions. The findings underscore the need for strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of FOMO, promoting healthier social media habits and fostering a more balanced approach to digital consumption.
Keywords: FOMO, Social Media, Media, Anxiety.
Scope of the Article: Media Studies