Lived Experiences of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on Social Media Among Young Adults in Tehran: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
محورهای موضوعی : مجله جامعهشناسی ایران
1 - Assistant professor, Department of Social Sciences ,Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
کلید واژه: Fear of Missing Out, Lived Experience, Young Adults, Social Media, Descriptive Phenomenology,
چکیده مقاله :
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.
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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