Exploring Young Adults' Attitudes and Experiences with Fear of Missing Out : A Qualitative Interview Study on Anxiety and Perfectionism

In an age of constant digital connectivity, young adults face increasing psychological challenges related to social belonging, and mental well-being. One issue that comes up often in this context is the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), which reflects deeper concerns around social comparison and self-worth. This thesis explores how young adults experience and interpret FoMO, and how it influences their anxiety and self-imposed perfectionism in the context of digital and real-life environments. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 university students, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that FoMO is a frequent and emotionally charged experience, often triggered by social media and offline peer interactions. Participants reported a range of cognitive and emotional responses, including social pressure, overthinking, and physical symptoms of stress. FoMO was also found to contribute to perfectionistic behaviors, such as self-comparison, setting unrealistically high standards, and curating idealized online identities. Despite these challenges, participants actively employed coping strategies, such as social media breaks, peer support, cognitive reframing, and prioritizing offline activities.