Lived Experiences of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on social media Among Young Adults in Tehran: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
الموضوعات : مجله بین المللی علوم اجتماعی
1 - Assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences ,Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
الکلمات المفتاحية: Fear of Missing Out, Lived Experience, Young Adults, Social Media, Descriptive Phenomenology,
ملخص المقالة :
Social media has transformed how young adults perceive their social world, often intensifying feelings of being left out or disconnected, a phenomenon known as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). This descriptive phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of 15 young adults (8 females, 7 males) in Tehran regarding FoMO on social media. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, participants shared emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to constant social exposure online. Data were analyzed through Colaizzi’s seven-step method, revealing six intertwined dimensions: emotional-psychological, social-behavioral, identity-related, cognitive, coping strategies, and cultural-contextual influences. Participants described heightened anxiety, compulsive checking of social media, identity-related stress, social comparison, and disruption of daily routines. Simultaneously, they employed adaptive strategies such as mindfulness, offline engagement, and reflective practices to maintain well-being. These findings highlight the nuanced, multifaceted nature of FoMO and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to support digital well-being, emotional resilience, and healthier social participation among young adults in contemporary digital environments.
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