The Impact of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on Gen Z Lifestyle

This research uses the literature study method, which focuses on collecting information relevant to the topic or problem that is the object of research by reading and studying journals or reference books as well as the results of previous similar research to obtain a theoretical basis for the problem to be studied. So that what is written does not contain essays but valid data that can be accounted for. The sources used in this literature study method are research journals.  

 

Result and finding  

 We can know the lifestyle of  Gen Z which is included in the FoMO phenomenon from every activity or activity and even their excessive opinions. According to Lila Aisafitri et al., (2020), lifestyle is often described by a person's activities, interests, and opinions and can be identified by looking at how a person spends their time, what a person considers important in society, and what he thinks about themself.  

The lifestyle of someone who experiences FoMO can be seen from how long the individual uses their smartphone or how often the individual opens their phone.  They often open their smartphones or social media from the time they wake up to before bed even in their free time.  The individual is afraid or feels uncomfortable when away from his smartphone, every time he will open or play his social media application. All of that the individual does because he feels a feeling of fear, anxiety, worry that he will miss out on new news or new trends that other people are doing. Social media is one of the factors that contribute greatly to the emergence of the FoMO phenomenon. Because from social media we can see every latest activity that other people are doing, what latest news is being discussed, or what trends are popular among the community. So that it will make individuals want to continue to open their smartphones or play social media to satisfy their curiosity and so that individuals also do not feel left behind information from others.
According to a qualitative research conducted by Lila Aisafitri and Kiayati Yusriyah in 2020, Gen Z individuals who experience FoMO usually exhibit a high level of curiosity. They tend to stay informed and updated at all times by constantly checking their social media for extended periods. They consider social media as their go-to platform to quench their thirst for knowledge. Moreover, FoMO can be beneficial for them because it motivates them to explore the latest information and helps them to be more productive in honing their hobbies.

Yusuf et al (2023) Based on the results of research on FoMo (fear of missing out), there is an impact of FoMo. Because of FOMO, people always follow other people's activities, and they will look at social media all the time. Fomo also describes people who are always looking at notifications on their cell phones. excessive use of social media can cause FoMO. This can happen because people always want to follow and connect with social media.  Informants' answers show this: 11 informants strongly agreed with the statement, "I try to follow the activities of some of my connections through their social media updates," and 2 informants agreed with the statement. Then another impact is that when users choose to communicate in cyberspace, their social skills may be impaired, leading to social awkwardness when they have to interact in the real world, and (2) The use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and anger, (3) increase dissatisfaction with life, and (4) decrease concentration and interest in learning. Few students use social networks all the time, even during lessons, because students who are afraid of missing out on something become less productive for fear of losing attention if they miss the moment. This has been proven in the research activities. 8 respondents strongly agreed with this criterion and 5 respondents agreed with the statement "I often open my phone during lessons".

According to Przybylski et al. (2013), FoMO is a type of compulsive worry that results in concern about missing out on trends, such as using the latest technology, attending popular events, or participating in other trendy activities, consumptive hedonism is one of the longterm adverse effects of this FoMO behavior. Ratnaningsih & Halidy (2022) where in their findings there is a significant and positive effect of FOMO on impulse buying in society.

The impact of FOMO also affects individuals to become hedonistic and consumptive. Because of the sense of not wanting to lose and fear of being left behind, individuals will follow the existing trends. Moreover, if influencers or celebrities use the items they use, it will make them affected and want to have the same items. In accordance with research (Sudarman & Lailla, 2023). Respondents in this study spend a lot of time following the latest fashion trends.  When buying fashion, sharing the details on social media is considered important.  Fashion products endorsed by influencers on social media can be seen by their followers, who are also consumers, so influencers can influence their followers to buy fashion products.

Based on previous studies, it is said and proven that fomo or Fear of missing out affects the lifestyle of Gen Z. Gen Z who are curious teenagers are very easy to be part of FoMO.
FoMO in previous studies has an impact that tends to be bad for the lifestyle of Gen Z.

Conclusion  

It can be concluded that the FoMO (fear of missing out) phenomenon has a significant impact, especially on Generation Z's lifestyle. FoMO is reflected in the habit of using smartphones excessively, especially related to activities on social media. Individuals who experience FoMO tend to always seek the latest information and want to stay connected to the trends and activities of others.
In previous research, it was found that FoMO can have positive impacts, such as increasing motivation to hone hobbies and being more productive. However, negative impacts were also seen, such as impaired real-world social skills, increased dissatisfaction with life, decreased concentration, and triggering consumptive behavior.