From Convenience to Consequences: Unraveling FOMO in the Lives of Gen Z College Students from Türkiye and the USA
Citation
Yuksel, Peri & Aksoy, Sennur. (2024). From Convenience to Consequences: Unraveling FOMO in the Lives of Gen Z College Students from Türkiye and the USA.Abstract
This IRB-approved study examined the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) phenomenon among
Generation Z (Gen Z) college students in Türkiye and the USA (N=637 aged 18-25; 20.09%
male, 78.65% female, 1.26% other). A bilingual English-Turkish Qualtrics survey was
distributed through online platforms at urban universities in both countries measuring questions
selfreported online and offline behaviors, clinical diagnoses and a 17-item FoMO Scale.
Results suggest that FoMO is a universal phenomenon on campus across cultures, associated
with mental disorders and increased usage of various social media platforms, R
2=.083, F(3,
633)=19.00 p< .001. Also, problematic social media usage (i.e., passive online engagement,
observing others' posts) was associated with FoMO, ηp2 =.056, F(1,636)=37.41, p< .001.This
comparative study offers valuable cross-cultural insights on mental health and social media,
yet its moderate sample size and reliance on self-reports, limits the establishment of causation.
Future research should explore the developmental impact of popular media platform usage and
develop diagnostic strategies to mitigate FoMO among Gen Z students, ultimately enhancing
their well-being and productivity as they transition into society. Moreso, this study underscores
the role of stakeholders in assisting Gen Z students in regulating their online and offline
behaviors to improve their overall well-being.