Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Digital Communication Intensity Among Generation Z on TikTok: A Literature Review

Abstract

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has emerged as a prominent psychological phenomenon in contemporary digital environments, particularly among Generation Z, who are highly engaged with social media platforms such as TikTok. This study aimed to examine the conceptualization of FoMO, identify patterns of digital communication intensity among Generation Z on TikTok, and analyze the influence of FoMO on their communication behaviors. The study employed a qualitative approach using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) design. Data were collected from peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2020 and 2026 and retrieved from academic databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Taylor & Francis. The selected studies were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify recurring themes and relationships related to FoMO and digital communication intensity. The findings indicate that FoMO functions as a significant psychological driver of digital communication intensity among Generation Z. TikTok’s algorithm-driven content recommendations, viral culture, and real-time engagement features encourage users to access the platform frequently, monitor online activities continuously, and actively participate in digital interactions. The review also reveals that FoMO strengthens social connectedness and online participation while simultaneously increasing the risk of anxiety, digital dependency, and communication overload. Furthermore, digital communication intensity is reflected in frequent platform access, prolonged engagement duration, content creation, and active participation in online communities. This study concludes that FoMO plays a central role in shaping communication behaviors within TikTok’s digital ecosystem. The findings contribute to the growing literature on digital communication and social media behavior and highlight the importance of promoting digital literacy and healthy social media engagement among Generation Z.