From FOMO to JOMO: Understanding Generation Z Preferences and Behavior Intentions in Hotels

This research examines how the psychological concepts of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) affect the hotel preferences and behavior of Generation Z. Using consumer behavior, the research focuses on the impact of social validation, aesthetic appeal, internal conflict, and value-oriented decisions. Using a structured quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire, the research sample was 400 respondents, all aged from 18 to 27 years old with previous hotel experience. The research used SPSS, including ANOVA, Pearson Correlation, Independent Samples t test and Chi-Square test to test the proposed hypotheses. Results demonstrated that FOMO strongly influenced Generation Z’s preferences for trendy, popular, visually appealing hotel accommodation; however, JOMO had a more significant relationship with hotel experiences including, wellbeing, mindfulness, and focus on personal values. Additionally, the internal conflict between social demands and personal values established the fundamental basis for the duality observed in Generation Z’s hotel preferences and behaviors. The results presented here offer significance for theory, as well as for hoteliers aiming to balance trendy appeal with real, mindful-oriented experiences.