E.Rodriguez Jr.

High School
Mayon Avenue, Brgy NS Amoranto, Quezon City

The Impact of Facebook on Fear of Missing Out

Among Generation Z

Submitted by:

Kim Samantha Margareth C. Hoseña

Grade 12 - Aurelius

Submitted to:

Raymond E. Balubar
Teacher

March 2024
 Chapter 1
Introduction

Generation Z, defined as those born between 1997 and 2003 (what), will be in the 18–24

age range in 2021. The development of technology and social media, which have permeated

every aspect of life in the digital age, are directly related to Generation Z, sometimes referred to

as the gadget generation. But there isn't a thorough knowledge of how social media affects users

in the material that is out there right now.

Facebook is a social media where we can easily get connected and share with family and

friends. There is a general lack of awareness in the existing literature regarding the inevitable

impact social media has on its users. Generation Z's usage of social media and FOMO can have

both beneficial and bad effects, depending on their position and ability. Sharing private

information on social media is becoming more common and has serious consequences.

FOMO describes the anxiety we feel when it seems that others are having rewarding

experiences without us. The fear of missing out and social media use are strongly related in day-

to-day life, and this connection has drawn attention. As a result of users' tendency to use social

media sites to compare their lives to those of others and to continuously monitor what their

friends are up to, overuse of these platforms has been associated with the mental illness known

as "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO).

Background of the Study

 Social media platforms, especially facebook, have become parts of everyday lives of

Generation Z. From the moment they wake up until the moment they are about to sleep, these

platforms have been their constant companion. Being one of the earliest and most widely used

social media platforms, it plays a significant role in shaping the online social interactions.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has been introduced since 2004 to describe phenomena

observed on social networking sites. It is characterized by the fear that others are having

rewarding and enjoyable experiences from which one is not present. This concept has become

prominent and continued as the use of Facebook has been widened.

In using Facebook, people may post and share whatever they like to the extent that they

are even comparing life events, experiences, social status and prestige with their relatives,

friends, and acquaintances. Giving emphasis on the social comparison on Facebook, this may

contribute to the development of FOMO among Generation Z.

Previous studies have linked that use of social media including Facebook have negative

mental health outcomes such as FOMO, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Understanding

the relationship between Facebook usage and FOMO can help us pre na vent and lessen

potential mental health implications.

This study aims to explore and understand the relationship between Facebook usage and

the prevalence of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among individuals belonging to Generation Z.

This generation is also known as iGeneration, Generation Y and Post-Millennials. Generation Z

has been raised in a world where there are constant changes and technological advancement.

They are the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media and this has had a

deep effect on the lives of every Gen Z.

 The findings may have implications for digital well-being interventions, social

media policies, and mental health support for this generation. To fully comprehend this

issue, the researcher will examine the relationship between Facebook usage and Fear of Missing

Out and their effects on Grade 12 senior high school students of ERJHS.

Statement of the Problem

The qualitative research entitled The Impact of Facebook on Fear of Missing Out among

Generation Z will focus on understanding the relationship between Facebook usage and Fear of

Missing Out. By conducting this study, the researcher aims to contribute valuable

insights to the fields of psychology, sociology, and digital communication, providing a

clear understanding of how Facebook influences the Fear of Missing Out among the

unique demographic of Generation Z.

Specifically this quantitative research seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile if the respondents in terms of:

A. Age

B. Gender

C. Frequency of Facebook use

2. What are the factors related to Facebook and FOMO of G12 students of ERJHS?

3. To what extent does Facebook use impact the Fear of Missing Out among Grade 12 students

in E. Rodriguez Jr. High School?

Research Questions

What is the relationship between Facebook usage and the prevalence Fear of Missing Out

among Generation Z?

Does the use of Facebook among ERJHS Grade 12 students increase their Fear of

Missing Out? If so, which particular Facebook features or activities are the main causes

of Generation Z users' growing fear of missing out?

What part do specific personality traits like friendliness or addiction play in moderating

the relationship between Facebook use and FOMO among Generation Z?

Hypothesis

There is a relationship between facebook usage and Fear of Missing Out among

generation Z.

Assumption

● Social media platforms such as Facebook are already a source of FOMO

among Generation Z.

● Grade 12 students of ERJHS have fear of missing out because of

Facebook use.

● Increased fear of missing out with intense usage of Facebook.

● Considering the intense use of Facebook, this opens up for more social

comparison among Gen Z’s.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will give advantage to the following:

Respondents - It might help people make good decisions about what they

do online and encourage a happier, more responsible way of using apps like

Facebook. Respondents may become more aware of the potential harmful

effects of Facebook usage with their Fear of Missing Out.

The Researcher - Analyzing Facebook use and FOMO in Generation Z

can help researcher understand how Facebook affects Gen Z members' feelings

of FOMO.

Teachers - By learning about the possible impacts of Facebook on Gen Z

students' FOMO, teachers may better support their students in navigating the

pressures of social media and providing a good influence.

Future Researchers - Future researchers can build upon the findings to

further explore the dynamic relationship between Facebook and Fear of Missing

Out. This ongoing inquiry may contribute valuable insights to the field of

psychology, sociology, and digital communication. It would provide them with a clear

understanding of how Facebook influences the Fear of Missing Out among Generation

Z.

Parents - Parental guidance on social media usage in a healthy manner and

supervision are two ways that parents may help.

Scope and Delimitation

Scope
 The aim of this study is to look at the association between senior high school

students' FOMO and their use of Facebook at E. Rodriguez Junior High School.

The purpose of the study is to explore and understand the relationship between

Facebook usage and the prevalence of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among individuals

belonging to Generation Z.

Delimitation

1. Population: The study focuses specifically on E. Rodriguez High School, a

Grade 12 senior high school, which limits the generalizability of the findings to

this particular population.

2. Time Frame: The Grade 12 Senior High School at E will be the specific

subject of the investigation. Rodriguez Junior High School, restricting the

applicability of the results to this particular group of people.

3. Platform Focus: The survey focuses on Facebook as the preferred social

media network, leaving all other platforms out to maintain control and scope.

4. FOMO among Gen Z Measurement: The assessment of FOMO in Generation

Z will primarily rely on self-reported data, which may not fully capture the

complexities of each individual's self-perception.

By considering these parameters, this study aims to provide important

insights into the intersection of Facebook use and FOMO among the senior high

school students of E .Rodriguez High School and accept their obligations.

Definition of Terms

Facebook - is a social networking website where users can post, comment,

share photographs, and post links to news or other interesting content on the

web, chat live and watch short-form video. (Nations D., 2024)

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) - Perception of missing out, which triggers anxiety

and compulsive behaviors to maintain social connections. (Laurence E., Temple

J., 2023)

Generation Z - born between 1997 and 2003. Also known as the gadget generation.

This generation lives side by side with the development of gadgets and social media.

(Herawati, Icha & Rizal, Irfani & Amita, Nindy., 2022)

Impact - The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another’ and ‘a

marked effect or influence’. (Oxford Dictionary)

Generalizability - According to Hydrocephalus Association (2021),

generalizability is a measure of how useful the results of a study are for a

broader group of people or situations.