The Psychology of FOMO and JOMO in Teens
- whereemotionsflow
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
By Mukul
Introduction
The rise of social media has brought the concepts of FOMO (Fear of missing out) and JOMO (Joy of missing out) to the forefront, significantly impacting the psychological well-being of teenagers.1 2 FOMO, the pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent, can lead to anxiety and problematic social media usage among teens.1 Conversely, JOMO represents a positive response, emphasizing the joy and content derived from disconnecting and enjoying the present moment.3 4 Understanding these phenomena is crucial for fostering a balanced and healthy approach to social media and life in general for adolescents.
Understanding FOMO in Teens
FOMO is characterised by the desire to stay continually up-to-date with what others are doing, often driven by unmet psychological needs such as competence and relatedness.1 Teenagers, in particular, are vulnerable to FOMO because they are at a stage in life where they are trying to figure out where they fit in and what social groups they belong to.5 This fear of missing out can manifest as a negative emotional state, stemming from unmet social relatedness needs, and can be especially hurtful during these formative years.5The constant exposure to curated online personas can exacerbate feelings of
social exclusion and worthlessness, leading teens to compare themselves to others and seek validation through social media.1
FOMO has been shown to predict both the depth and breadth of social media use among teenagers.1 Teens experiencing greater FOMO tend to use social media more frequently and maintain a larger number of active accounts. This behaviour is driven by the desire to relieve anxiety by checking on others, which ironically can lead to a vicious circle where the more they check, the more they find events they are missing out on.1 This can further result in problematic use of social media (PSMU), characterised by the lack of control and continued use despite adverse life consequences, as well as phubbing, the practice of using social media during conversation with others.1 Studies indicate that FOMO is a stronger predictor of using more private social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat, where teens connect with their offline networks, compared to more public platforms like YouTube and Twitter.1
Embracing JOMO: A Positive Alternative
In contrast to FOMO, JOMO represents the “joy of missing out” encouraging individuals to unplug from media, practise self-care and reconnect with the present moment.3 JOMO is about finding contentment in simple pleasures and taking a break from the constant pressure to stay connected and informed. By embracing JOMO, teenagers can reduce stress, enhance their mental well-being and develop a stronger sense of self-sufficiency.4
Strategies for cultivating JOMO
To help teenagers cultivate JOMO, it is essential to encourage a balanced approach to social media use. This includes setting boundaries for screen time, being intentional about online interactions, and prioritizing real-life experiences and connections.6 Encouraging hobbies, mindfulness practices, and activities that promote self-care can also help teenagers become more aware of their usage patterns
and develop healthier coping mechanisms.3 Ultimately, fostering a mindset that values genuine connections, personal growth, and present-moment awareness can empower teens to embrace JOMO and navigate the digital world with greater resilience and well-being.
Bibliography
1. Fear of missing out as a predictor of problematic social media use. (2018). Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2867.
2. Support WebIndia. (n.d.). Social Media & Mental Health: FOMO vs. JOMO. CAST Centers. https://castcenters.com/blog/social-media-mental-health-fomo-vs-jomo/
3. Embracing JOMO: Finding joy in missing out. (2023). Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/jomo-joy-of-missing-out/
4. FOMO vs. JOMO: Understanding the psychology behind social media use. (2024). World Journal of Innovation and Learning Technology, 3(1), 37.
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). FOMO Is Real: How the Fear of Missing Out Af ects Your Health. Cleveland Clinic.
6. Admin. (n.d.). JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out and Why It’s Good for Mental Health. Serene Health.
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