Ni Made Karinadevi Permata Jati, Monique Elizabeth Sukamto

Trapped in The Digital Wave: The Role of Emotional and Social Loneliness on FoMO in Adolescent TikTok Users in East Java

Introduction

Trapped in the digital wave: the role of emotional and social loneliness on fomo in adolescent tiktok users in east java. How emotional & social loneliness drive FoMO in East Javanese adolescent TikTok users? Study reveals loneliness predicts FoMO, emphasizing healthier social media use & peer support.

Abstract

This study examined the role of emotional and social loneliness in the fear of missing out (FoMO) among adolescent TikTok users in East Java. With the increasing use of social media among teenagers, FoMO has become a common issue linked to anxiety and discomfort over missing online interactions. A total of 205 adolescents aged 13–18 participated through a survey, using the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOS) and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), analyzed with linear regression. The research findings revealed that emotional and social loneliness significantly predicted increased FoMO. The novelty of this study lies in exploring the role of two dimensions of loneliness on FoMO in Indonesian adolescents. These results highlight the importance of interventions to reduce loneliness, such as strengthening peer relationships and promoting healthier social media use. Practically, the findings suggest that schools or parents should foster supportive environments and encourage balanced online–offline interactions to help mitigate FoMO and protect adolescents’ mental well-being.

Review

This study meticulously examines the intricate relationship between emotional and social loneliness and the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among adolescent TikTok users in East Java. Utilizing a quantitative survey approach with 205 participants aged 13-18, the research employed the FoMOS and DJGLS, with linear regression analysis revealing that both dimensions of loneliness significantly predict an increase in FoMO. This investigation provides timely and relevant insights into a pressing issue, highlighting the psychological underpinnings of FoMO within a specific demographic grappling with the pervasive influence of social media. A significant strength of this research lies in its novel contribution to the existing literature by exploring the distinct roles of emotional and social loneliness on FoMO within the context of Indonesian adolescents. This geographical and cultural focus enriches the global understanding of FoMO, which is often studied in Western populations. The practical implications derived from the findings are particularly valuable, offering actionable recommendations for parents and schools to foster supportive environments, strengthen peer relationships, and encourage healthier, more balanced online-offline interactions. These suggestions are crucial for designing effective interventions aimed at mitigating FoMO and safeguarding the mental well-being of young people in the digital age. While the study provides compelling evidence, some areas could be further developed. The cross-sectional design, a common limitation in survey-based research, restricts the ability to infer causality; longitudinal studies would be beneficial to understand the dynamic interplay and causal pathways between loneliness and FoMO over time. Additionally, reliance solely on self-report measures, while standard, can be subject to response biases. Future research could explore potential mediating or moderating variables, such as self-esteem, social support quality, or specific patterns of TikTok engagement, to build a more comprehensive model. Incorporating qualitative components could also provide deeper contextual understanding and adolescent narratives, complementing the quantitative findings and enhancing the development of culturally resonant interventions.

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