FEAR OF MISSING OUT TREN DI MEDIA SOSIAL DALAM INTERAKSI MAHASISWA UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG

The development of social media has transformed the way students interact and build social relationships. One phenomenon emerging from the intensive use of social media is Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), which refers to the feeling of anxiety about missing information, activities, or social experiences that others may be having. This study aims to describe and explain how students of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang experience and interpret the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) in their social interactions. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with students as research participants. The data analysis was conducted using Social Comparison Theory proposed by Leon Festinger to understand the process of social comparison that occurs among students in their use of social media.

The findings indicate that FoMO arises when students observe the activities, experiences, and social engagement of their peers as displayed on social media. Such exposure encourages students to compare themselves with others, particularly regarding friendship activities, lifestyle trends, and participation in group activities. In this study, FoMO is understood not only as a form of social anxiety but also as a motivation to maintain social connectedness, sustain participation within friendship groups, and strengthen the intensity of students’ social interactions.