Parents have a crucial role in helping adolescents by educating them in an open communication environment and teaching them about the pros and cons of the different trends that constantly emerge, targeting the teenage population.
Adolescents are more prone to experiencing high levels of apprehension about not fitting into peer groups due to a desire to stay connected and involved in what other peers are doing or having. Social platforms play an important role in promoting and perpetuating FOMO with their advertising and marketing strategies.
This leads to stress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a sense of not being good enough if not included in the social norms of the peer group or social adolescent tendencies. The need for social validation can overtake an adolescent’s life, impairing their academic and social life, and in extreme cases, they may feel life has no meaning unless they are accepted by their peers.
Validation
Social media exposes adolescents to how other people’s lives appear, even when these portrayals are sometimes fake. The ability to discern is still developing in adolescents, intensifying the fear of being left out and the need to be constantly connected. Social media platforms promote FOMO due to the constant stream of content that appears desirable and exciting, leading to a sense of comparison and a competitive spirit to achieve these experiences or goals.
Adolescence is a period where self-identity is being developed, and social acceptance and validation are strong factors. The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This may lead to heightened susceptibility to addictive behaviours, like excessive social media use.
Strategies for Parents of Teenagers
As a parent, you can help by creating a family environment where feelings about FOMO can be discussed without fear of judgment. Build trust and encourage open dialogue. Put yourself in your teenager’s shoes and acknowledge their feelings.
Share with your adolescent your own experiences of feeling left out in the past, and provide tips, insights, and learnings. Reassure them that everyone shares similar feelings, though perhaps in different situations in life. Let them know they are not alone, and offer your support. If necessary, consult a professional therapist, GP, or contact the school.
Social media platforms promote FOMO due to the constant stream of content that appears desirable and exciting, leading to a sense of comparison and a competitive spirit to achieve these experiences or goals
Dr Emma Allende
Establish healthy boundaries around internet use and have technology-free zones within the house. Quality family time, engaging in meaningful hobbies, and doing something for others, like helping in the community, will help compensate and reduce the need for comparison. Adolescents will become aware of the uniqueness of each person and value others for their personal characteristics.
Help them by promoting self-acceptance and acceptance of diversity in personalities. Support your adolescents by encouraging them to develop coping mechanisms for when they face the effects of FOMO. Nurture them to develop authentic and meaningful connections with others and limit social media use.
Promote self-acceptance and appreciation
Talk to your teens about the importance of dedicating quality time to getting to know people in depth in real life, discussing emotions, experiences, and feelings. Sharing offline common interests and acknowledging and valuing differences can enrich personalities.
Teach them how to evaluate content and inform them about how marketing can be used to provoke FOMO. Promote the idea of self-acceptance and the importance of appreciating oneself and one’s opinions and values while reducing the influence of FOMO on their emotional wellbeing to become more FOMO-resilient.
