Navigating the Fear of Missing Out: A Narrative Analysis of Filipino Adolescents’ Experiences of Fear of Missing Out

Abstract

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the personal narratives of Filipino adolescents about the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and how it affects their overall life situations. By delving into their experiences, this research aimed to uncover the unique ways that FOMO shapes their emotions, behaviors, and social interactions, providing a deeper insight into their daily struggles and coping mechanisms.

Introduction/Background: The study encapsulated the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a common experience among active social media users, especially young people. Social media is a platform where contents are filtered, and only happy and joyful moments are seen. Because of the frequent posting of happy moments and successes on social media, many people perceive others' lives as perfect and feel pitiful about their own lives. People feel that they are not included or that their lives are lacking compared to others. Studies have found that FOMO has a negative impact on self-esteem and mental well-being, and excessive use of social media makes it worse, as it can create negative feelings of envy towards what individuals perceive from social media.

Methodology: A qualitative research design that used narrative analysis was chosen to examine how Filipino youth experience Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in relation to social media use and offline interactions. The study was conducted in the City of Cagayan de Oro, located in the northern part of Mindanao. The researchers selected eight (8) Filipino youths aged 13 to 18 who had experienced FOMO.

To obtain the necessary data, a semi-structured interview guide created by the researchers was used as the main research instrument. Since some participants were minors, a consent form was prepared to inform parents of the purpose and method of the study to address ethical considerations. Upon obtaining consent, the researchers set up an interview schedule with each participant. The participants were also asked to fill out an assent form. The researchers utilized open-ended questions to allow participants to reveal their experiences of FOMO. The researchers made audio recordings of the interviews to ensure data accuracy and reliability. The recordings were then transcribed to facilitate analysis.

In terms of data analysis, the researchers utilized three levels of narrative analysis: personal, positional, and societal. On a personal level, participants' individual experiences and how they personally experienced FOMO were explored. At the positional level, differences in the social positions of the narrator and the listener were examined. The societal level looked at society's broader view of FOMO, and how it is affected by social factors.

The data analysis was divided into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. The beginning focused on the individual or personal impact of FOMO. The middle part examined the influence of social networks and relationships with others, especially the role of social belongingness. The final section focused on the broader impact of social media on FOMO, specifically the value of online visibility and social media as a source of personal satisfaction and confidence.

Findings: The results showed that due to social media, Filipino adolescents experienced FOMO which affected their self-worth, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging. The frequency of social media use affected adolescents significantly. Many relied on likes and reactions for validation, feeling inadequate when they received little engagement, while social comparisons intensified feelings of exclusion and self-doubt. Peer pressure pushed them to maintain an idealized online presence, often conflicting with their true selves and creating a struggle between social belonging and personal values.

Additionally, what individuals perceived on social media affected their self-perception, conflicting with their overall well-being. Some participants recognized the need to detach their self-worth from social media, focusing instead on real-life experiences, personal growth, and meaningful relationships. The findings revealed that social media contributes significantly to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, with adolescents often comparing themselves to others' curated online personas. Despite temporary validation through online engagement, many participants reported a cycle of dependence on social media to avoid missing out. In contrast, in-person interactions offered a sense of belonging and relief from exclusion.

Contribution/Impact on Society: The study highlighted the psychological and social impacts of FOMO, and calls for interventions such as digital literacy programs and peer support groups to help adolescents healthily navigate these challenges.

Recommendations: It is recommended that educators, parents, and mental health professionals help reduce the feeling of FOMO among adolescents by promoting social media literacy, encouraging open discussions, and providing coping strategies to build self-esteem and resilience against FOMO.

Research Limitation: Due to the cultural context, the FOMO discussion may have unique characteristics that would not occur elsewhere.

Future Research: Future research should explore the nuances of FOMO in different cultural contexts to provide a broader understanding of its impact and how to develop more effective interventions. Additionally, exploring the role of parental guidance and educational interventions in mitigating FOMO could provide valuable insights into preventive measures.