A shift from FOMO to JOMO reflects Gen Z’s preference for quieter, more fulfilling activities.
Gen Z is increasingly embracing a new lifestyle philosophy that contrasts sharply with the traditional “fear of missing out” (FOMO). This shift towards the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) reflects a growing trend among younger individuals who are finding contentment in avoiding social gatherings and opting for quieter, more personal activities.
As publishers and brands chase this audience they will have to accommodate their desire for more engaging and less fleeting interactions, as well as the lifestyle choices that this mindset promotes.
A recent study led by Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, highlights this change in mindset. The study surveyed 11,842 adults across five developed countries: the US, UK, Spain, Japan and Brazil. It found that Generation Z displays a marked preference for non-alcoholic beverages, indicating a declining interest in the nightlife culture that previously dominated social interactions. As stated in the research, the acceptability of low and no-alcohol options is at an all-time high among Gen Z.
This shift in behaviour aligns with findings from the Cleveland Clinic, which suggests that the trend towards less alcohol consumption among younger generations is motivated by a desire to maintain both physical and mental health. Consequently, the enjoyment derived from saying “no” to social events is becoming increasingly popular within this demographic. A content creator from the UK, Etalie Culverwell, shared on TikTok her preference for JOMO, stating, “I much prefer a quiet night in doing self-care and watching a rom-com.”
Riley Gardiner, a trends and communications expert, emphasised in an interview with the Daily Mail the connection between remote working culture and this trend. She noted: “Gen Z are picking JOMO over FOMO because they’re just realising that missing out isn’t the end of the world.” This sentiment is echoed by users on TikTok and other social media platforms, where content creators are actively showcasing the benefits of embracing JOMO.
Social media has become a fertile ground for the promotion of this mindset. TikTok user Elena, who operates the account @thishouse5000, garnered over two million views for a clip depicting a peaceful evening at home, encapsulated with the words: “JOMO: The joy of missing out”.
The trend extends to wider social activities, especially among university students. Reports indicate that many institutions have replaced traditional “freshers’ weeks” — often associated with heavy drinking and partying — with “Welcome Weeks” that focus on a range of activities, reflecting modern preferences. For instance, events like yoga classes, cold water swimming and vegan picnics are becoming prevalent choices, catering to a diverse student body and promoting healthier alternatives to typical night out celebrations.
As Gen Z continues to navigate its own identity and preferences for social engagement, the cultural landscape of social activities is clearly evolving. The preference for JOMO heralds not only a change in lifestyle choices but also a broader transformation in how younger generations interact with one another and perceive communal experiences. The emphasis on personal well-being and choosing meaningful engagements marks a departure from the communal pressures of previous generations, underlining a significant shift in cultural norms and behaviours surrounding social interactions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.afterbabel.com/p/what-happened-to-fomo – This article discusses the shift from FOMO to JOMO among Gen Z, highlighting how social media has changed the way young people interact and their preferences for avoiding real-world social interactions.
- https://girlsunited.essence.com/feedback/news/wellness-joy-of-missing-out/ – This article explains the concept of JOMO, its emotional health benefits, and how it contrasts with FOMO, encouraging individuals to find joy in missing out and prioritizing self-care.
- https://theeverygirl.com/forced-to-miss-out/ – While this article introduces the concept of FTMO (Forced to Miss Out), it also touches on the financial and social pressures that contribute to the trend of missing out on social events, which aligns with the broader context of JOMO.
- https://www.clevelandclinic.org/health-info – Although the specific link is not provided, the Cleveland Clinic’s general health information supports the trend of younger generations prioritizing physical and mental health, which is a key motivator for the JOMO lifestyle.
- https://www.tiktok.com/@thishouse5000 – This TikTok account, as mentioned, showcases the benefits of JOMO, with content creators like Elena promoting the joy of missing out through their videos.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11844457/Gen-Z-picking-JOMO-FOMO-realising-missing-isnt-end-world.html – This article features an interview with trends and communications expert Riley Gardiner, who discusses the connection between remote working culture and the preference for JOMO among Gen Z.
- https://www.nus.org.uk/news/article/NUS-Scotland/NUS-Scotland-welcome-weeks/ – This link provides context on how student unions, such as the National Union of Students Scotland, are adapting welcome weeks to include more diverse and healthier activities, reflecting the shift towards JOMO.
- https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-life/support/wellbeing – The University of Edinburgh’s wellbeing initiatives, including varied social activities, support the trend of universities moving away from traditional partying culture towards more inclusive and healthier options.
- https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/studentlife/welcomeweek/ – The University of Glasgow’s Welcome Week activities also reflect this shift, offering a range of events that cater to diverse student interests and promote a more inclusive atmosphere.
- https://www.noahwire.com – Although the specific article is not linked, Noah Wire Services is mentioned as a source for the information on the shift towards JOMO and the evolving cultural landscape of social activities among Gen Z.
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