Why FOMO Among Gen Z is More Real Than Ever in a COVID-19 World
Insights from surveys of thousands of young people ages 13–25
Edited by Director & Editor of Research, Irene Pedruelo
The world has changed. This is a reality that we are all experiencing and reminded of every day. And yet the impact of that change is felt differently across generations.
For the generation that has so often been tied to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), the current situation of cancellations and social distance is especially unnerving. Usually, when we talk about Gen Z and FOMO it’s in the context of social media — young people seeing the highlights of their friends’ lives and wishing they were there, too. In the COVID-19 world, they’re technically not missing out on anything that everyone else isn’t also missing out on. But there is no doubt they are missing out on the lives and jobs and relationships that could have been. And, naturally, it’s causing frustration, sadness, and disconnection.
As part of DoSomething’s COVID-19 response providing resources and ways to take action for our 5 million global members aged 13–25, we also have been reaching out to our members weekly to touch base on how they’re feeling, how they’re impacted, and how they’re coping. Since our first survey on March 18, we’ve continued to receive thousands of responses each week, from young people in every state in the U.S.
Two things we can say have been consistent: 1) The concern is high, and 2) the FOMO is still very real.
Fatigue is setting in
Gen Z’s concern has grown as the weeks have gone on. The reasons have consistently centered primarily on the risk of the virus’ spread and getting sick (especially their loved ones) (53%), the economic impact (24%), and, increasingly, how this is going to impact their schooling (up from 7% on April 8 to 17% on April 15).
While Gen Z are finding ways to stay connected online, they are realizing this is not a substitute for real human interaction. Add to that a new and very real sense of fatigue they (and we all!) are experiencing around the quarantine. Many respondents make a point to reassure that they are down with doing what they have to do in terms of home quarantine and physical distancing, and they’re coming to grips with their massively disrupted life. But, today, they’re also asking “how long is this going to last?”
Why does not knowing how long it will last upset Gen Z so much? Because they are missing out on the special, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like proms, graduations, championship games, theatre performances, summer internships or jobs, camps,…and there’s even a possibility that this will impact events in the fall, like going off to college. And even as some states are considering lifting restrictions, there is still no clear path out of this.
“I’m scared of how long this will last. I’m sad. I want to go outside. I want to live my life. Instead, I’m stuck at home wondering if my family, friends, and I will survive this… what will happen after this is over? Will I still go to medical school? Will I be able to afford it? Will I be able to follow my dreams?” —23-year-old, California
Formative Years Can Make Coping More Difficult
There also is an increased level of stress among Gen Z because they are still figuring out how to stay on top of all their obligations while this is going on. And while that’s true of all of us from every generation, it’s important to remember that Gen Z are still in their formative years. Their connections are still tenuous and habits are not rock solid yet.
So, yes, they can get online and stay connected with friends…but can that budding friendship sustain not seeing each other every day? And yes, students are getting online and continuing with school…but can they keep themselves motivated when classes are sporadic and assignments feel more like a suggestion? And sure, they can keep up with their fitness…but sports and meeting friends for an exercise class or a run outdoors provided important structure.
“In this time, I’ve lost touch with so many people.” —17-year-old, Illinois
“COVID-19 has had such an awful impact on my life. I was unable to go to many of my college visits, school work seems to be piling up, and I’m disconnected to friends and family who would make this drastic change so much bearable.” —17-year-old, Virginia
This situation is placing a whole new set of challenges before Gen Z in terms of self-motivation and time management, and, hell, not even all of us adults are well equipped to pivot immediately to this and do it well. Asking that of Gen Z is substantially harder.
“I’m supposed to be taking my SATs next year and I’m extremely worried about how COVID-19 will affect that, as it determines my future.” — 15-year-old, New York
“My disruption of education. As a theatre production major, my classes were significantly impacted in the shift to online education. In losing opportunities to be learning by doing, I am afraid that my future will be impacted greatly.” — 21-year-old, New Jersey
“As a graduating senior, my biggest concern is that the failing economy caused by the outbreak will have a very negative impact on my future educational and career goals. I may not be able to go to college when planned or be able to find the career of my dreams.” — 18-year-old, Florida
To say the least, “normal” will never be normal again. And even young people are starting to realize that. We only hope they give themselves some grace in coming to terms with this new reality.
ABOUT DOSOMETHING STRATEGIC
DoSomething Strategic is the social impact consulting arm of DoSomething.org, the largest global organization for young people and social impact. DoSomething Strategic uses data-driven insights from DoSomething’s 5+ million members — ages 13–25 in every area code in the United States and in 131 countries worldwide — to help brands build relationships with and strengthen affinity among young consumers by driving purpose forward.
