Social Media Use and the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) While Studying Abroad

Abstract Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is a social construct that examines whether students are concerned that they are missing out on experiences that others are having, and we examined this relation to their concerns over missing activities in their home culture. This mixed-methods pilot study sought to determine how social media affects the study abroad experience, and in particular, whether students studying abroad experience FoMO. Based on survey results and focus-group data collected from study abroad students, participants used social media primarily for purposeful communication among themselves, in addition to connecting back home. Although the construct of FoMO was present in the study, it took on a different role where participants tried to create FoMO in others as opposed to experiencing it themselves. This study provides valuable information for faculty and staff members interested in harnessing social media to enhance and expand study abroad programs, as well as adding value to the current research on FoMO and its implication on study abroad experiences for undergraduates.

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