Social Media Trends and FoMO Among Gen Z: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores the intricate relationship between social media use, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), and the psychological and social well-being of Generation Z. An extensive initial search yielded 415 documents, which were meticulously screened based on relevance and quality, resulting in a final selection of 29 studies from diverse countries and contexts. The review highlights prevalent patterns, including the strong association between FoMO and increased social media engagement, heightened anxiety, social comparison tendencies, and adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents. It also identifies research gaps such as a limited number of longitudinal investigations, insufficient exploration of cultural or demographic differences, and a lack of consensus on causality and underlying mechanisms. By synthesizing contemporary evidence from various nations, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on social media’s impact on FoMO and youth well-being. Its contribution lies in offering a consolidated understanding of existing knowledge, thereby informing future investigations aimed at addressing critical gaps in the field.