JurnalPost.com - The presence of digital technology and social media has transformed how young people interact, obtain information, and recognize their own identities. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer just communication tools; they have become spaces for showcasing lifestyles, following trends, and seeking social validation.
Amidst this deluge of information, a phenomenon has emerged: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which is the anxiety that others are having rewarding experiences or participating in developments from which one is absent. This phenomenon raises a critical question: are young people today truly free to express themselves, or are they increasingly bound by standards set by trends and their social environment?
FOMO is a compelling issue to discuss because youth is a crucial phase in the process of self-discovery. At this stage, individuals tend to have a need to be accepted and recognized by their surroundings. This desire is natural. However, when the need for validation causes someone to constantly conform to the expectations of others, the freedom to be oneself can be threatened.
Therefore, FOMO cannot be viewed merely as a habit of following social media developments. This phenomenon is also linked to social and cultural issues that influence how the younger generation forms its identity.
Social Media and the Pressure to Always Follow Trends
FOMO grows alongside the increasing connectivity of society through digital technology. Social media allows individuals to see the activities, achievements, and experiences of others in mere seconds. From fashion styles and popular hangout spots to travel experiences and academic achievements, everything can be found easily on a phone screen.
Imaddudin (2020), in his study on FOMO and the self-concept of Generation Z, discusses the connection between social media experiences and how individuals perceive themselves. This becomes relevant when young people constantly compare their personal lives with the curated images of others' lives displayed on social media.
Content that looks attractive and perfect often only shows a small fraction of a person's life. However, when such content is used as a benchmark for success, an individual may feel that their own life is less interesting, not successful enough, or lagging behind others.
It is this feeling that can drive someone to follow trends in order to gain social acceptance and validation.
In daily life, this phenomenon can be seen through various behaviors. For example, buying the latest clothing styles, using viral products, adopting specific slang, or visiting popular spots just to avoid being considered out of touch by one's peer group.
Following trends is not inherently wrong. Trends can be a source of entertainment, a way to expand one's social circle, and even an opportunity to try new experiences. The problem arises when someone does something not based on their personal needs or interests, but solely out of fear of being perceived as different.
In such conditions, personal decisions begin to be influenced by social pressure. What appears to be a form of self-expression can actually turn into an effort to meet the expectations of others for the sake of validation.
FOMO and the Identity Formation Process of Youth
The FOMO phenomenon is closely related to the process of identity formation, especially during adolescence and young adulthood. In this phase, individuals begin to explore their interests, values, beliefs, and their position within the social environment.
The study by Avci, Baams, and Kretschmer (2025) on social media use and adolescent identity development shows that the relationship between the two is complex.
On one hand, social media can provide space for young people to explore interests, develop creativity, find communities, and express their identities.
However, on the other hand, social media use can also be linked to various psychological pressures, including the tendency to engage in social comparison.
This indicates that social media does not automatically cause an identity crisis. Its impact can vary, depending on how an individual uses digital platforms, the type of interactions they engage in, and how they interpret the information received.
When social media is used as the sole benchmark for self-evaluation, an individual risks losing self-confidence and feeling dissatisfied with their life.
Conversely, if used consciously and wisely, social media can actually help someone find an environment that supports their personality development.
Thus, the main issue does not lie in the existence of social media, but in the individual's ability to distinguish between personal needs and the pressure arising from the digital environment.
Between Culture, Identity, and the Desire to be Accepted
From a social and cultural perspective, FOMO reveals a dilemma between the need to be part of a group and the desire to maintain one's uniqueness.
Indonesian society has strong values of togetherness and social solidarity. These values play an important role in building relationships among people. However, in certain situations, the urge to conform to the group can also create pressure on individuals who have different choices.
In the digital era, this pressure is even more widespread. Lifestyle standards are no longer shaped only by family, school friends, or the local environment, but also by content creators, public figures, and global trends spread through social media.
As a result, young people face the challenge of balancing the influence of global culture with the values and identities they already possess.
Nevertheless, following global cultural developments does not always mean abandoning local culture. Social media can actually be a tool to introduce regional languages, traditional clothing, local cuisine, and local arts to a wider audience.
The issue is how the younger generation can avoid simply following trends for the sake of attention or 'likes,' and instead understand the value and meaning of the culture being displayed.
Creativity and modernity should be able to coexist with efforts to maintain cultural identity. Openness to change does not have to mean losing appreciation for one's own cultural roots.
The Importance of Digital Literacy and Self-Awareness
Facing the pressure of FOMO requires digital literacy skills as well as a good understanding of oneself.
Young people need to get into the habit of thinking critically before following a trend. Simple questions like, "Do I really like this, or am I just afraid of being left behind?" can be a first step toward understanding the motivation behind a decision.
This awareness is important so that the choices made are not always based on the judgment of others.
Beyond the individual, families and educational institutions also have a role in helping the younger generation face social pressure in the digital world.
An environment that provides space for discussion, respects differences, and does not make popularity or the possession of goods the primary measure of success can help young people develop self-confidence.
Digital literacy education also needs to be directed toward the understanding that social media content does not always reflect a person's life in its entirety.
Travel photos, academic achievements, and lifestyles that look attractive on social media are pieces of information selected to be displayed. Therefore, comparing one's entire personal life with snippets of others' lives is not the right way to measure one's own success.
Reducing the pressure of FOMO does not mean having to leave social media entirely. What is more important is building the habit of using technology consciously, limiting unhealthy social comparisons, and giving greater attention to personal goals and needs.
Being Yourself Amidst Changing Times
The FOMO phenomenon shows that one of the great challenges for the younger generation in the digital era is not just the ability to keep up with technological developments, but also the courage to maintain their identity amidst various social influences.
Following trends does not always mean losing one's identity. Conversely, choosing not to follow trends does not mean rejecting the changing times.
Problems arise when the need for validation causes someone to ignore the values, interests, and principles they actually believe in.
Therefore, self-awareness, the ability to filter information, and the courage to make decisions independently are essential in navigating digital life.
Being yourself does not mean closing yourself off from change. On the contrary, someone who recognizes their identity will be better able to determine which external influences align with their needs and life principles.
Ultimately, the courage to not follow trends that conflict with personal values is a form of independence in building an authentic identity.
In a digital world that moves so fast, being yourself is not about how different someone is from others, but about how capable they are of living life based on their own choices and self-awareness.
Bibliography
Imaddudin. (2020). Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and the self-concept of Generation Z: Reviewed from the aspect of communication. Journalism, Public Relation and Media Communication Studies Journal, 2(1), 24–39. DOI: 10.35706/jprmedcom.v2i1.3747
Avci, H., Baams, L., & Kretschmer, T. (2025). A systematic review of social media use and adolescent identity development. Adolescent Research Review, 10, 219–236. DOI: 10.1007/s40894-024-00251-1
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