Social Media Causes Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and Substance Abuse among Adolescents

Abstract

Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites that refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than one is. FoMO includes two processes: the perception of missing out and compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections. FoMO predicts unhealthy relationships with social networking sites, and, its influence may span past the online domain. In this regard, Tomczyk and Selmanagic-Lizde (2018) argue that FoMO is a type of internet addiction that predominantly affects children and adolescents. We have provided a general review of the literature and summarized the findings concerning substance abuse and social media interaction among adolescents. Even though child or teenage drug use is an individual behavior, it is embedded in a socio-cultural context that strongly determines its character and manifestations. In an attempt to feel good about themselves or forget their pain, youngsters may turn to drugs. In some cases, some teenagers may take up drugs just because their friends or maybe a youth icon they idolize endorse drugs. Tobacco and alcohol is the most common form of substance abuse among adolescents followed by inhalants and cannabis.  Social media is like a two-edged sword, it enables social interaction but it also inculcates compulsive behaviors and addictions.