Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Social media use is prolific, as are attendant feelings of a fear of missing out (FoMO) for many users when they are not active on such platforms. Previous research has linked FoMO to increased social media usage; however, the reasons for this relationship remain unclear. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore perceptions of social media-related FoMO and how these elements align with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adults, aged between 18 to 35-years-old, who self-reported daily social media use and previous experience of social media-related FoMO. Four themes, reflecting social connection and esteem needs, were identified, including: (1) Feeling socially connected; (2) Staying informed on relevant topics; (3) Meeting social norms and expectations; and (4) Seeking recognition and validation. Social media appears to cultivate, as well as exacerbate, existing FoMO by distorting perceptions of real-life needs fulfilment and promoting comparisons with others, creating illusions of connection, equating online validation with self-worth, and establishing unrealistic social norms. For example, participants reported feeling FoMO for events and activities they saw others engaging in online, even when they could recall having recent similar experiences and rationalise that they were not objectively missing out. These findings highlight the impact of social media in contributing to mental health. Future research into how users can be better protected against harmful outcomes is warranted, as is investigation into how social media may help or hinder people from fulfilling the needs necessary for human growth and well-being.
Nesbit et al. (Tue,) studied this question.