How to help students navigate social media as new research connects FOMO to anxiety
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to have an engaging conversation on this topic with your students in class!
It probably doesn’t surprise you that 90% of students aged 13-17 actively use social media. But did you know that more than half of them (54%) say these social platforms make them feel more connected to what is going on in their friends’ lives? Social media is where friendships are formed, memories are shared, and a sense of belonging is cultivated. However, behind these real benefits of social media lies a hidden challenge that we, as students’ role models, should be aware of – the fear of missing out (FOMO).
FOMO, often experienced as the fear of missing out on social events, trends, or online experiences, is a powerful force driving students to stay plugged in. This phenomenon has now been closely linked to high social media use and symptoms of anxiety among students. It’s a topic that educators can’t afford to overlook, as it holds significant implications for students’ overall well-being. But there is hope. By empowering students to strike a balance between their tech and social media, educators can help students navigate this pressure to always be connected.
FOMO’s impact on students according to a recent study
A recent study conducted among Australian high school students sheds light on the connection between FOMO and anxiety. Students who reported both high social media use and high levels of FOMO experienced heightened symptoms of anxiety while online. The allure of staying connected and up-to-date with online activities can be overwhelming, and many students find it challenging to resist the constant urge to check their screens.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that even students with low levels of FOMO but high social media usage reported increased anxiety when offline. This suggests that some students are using social media as a coping mechanism, seeking validation and reassurance from their online interactions.
The impact of FOMO and excessive social media use on students’ mental health reveals just how much social media affects students in their daily lives. It’s a double-edged sword where staying connected can induce anxiety, and yet, disconnecting may also lead to unease and loneliness. By recognizing that these challenges are real and prevalent among students, educators can be better equipped to empower students to navigate the time they spend online, the pressure to always “be on,” and FOMO.
TSI’s Take
Excessive screen time can lead to attention and concentration problems, anxiety, depression, and even screen addiction. Students who struggle to step away from their devices during class may be anxious about experiencing FOMO, or feel like they already are. To help improve student well-being, as well as help them focus during class, educators can empower students to strike a balance with their devices.
So, how exactly can educators encourage their students to strike a balance between their screens and the real world? Firstly, acknowledge the importance of educating students about healthy screen time management. This includes teaching them to be mindful of when and how they use their phones. Encourage students to prioritize face-to-face interactions and real-world relationships over online connections. Additionally, educators can provide resources and guidance on building coping strategies that don’t solely rely on social media validation. Promote self-reliance and resilience among students, empowering them to manage their anxieties independently.
The big takeaway for educators is crystal clear: be informed, be empathetic, and be proactive. Stay up-to-date with the latest research on FOMO and social media’s impact on students’ mental health. Create a classroom environment where students feel safe discussing their concerns related to FOMO and social media usage. Here are some strategies you can implement in your classroom to encourage students to strike a balance:
- Turn on Grayscale mode on devices: By removing the neuron-stimulating colors on your device, you’ll be less motivated to check your phone
- Use the “Do Not Disturb” feature: By limiting the rings, pings, and dings from social media, you’ll be less tempted to check your phone
- Put your phone to bed in a separate room: By keeping your phone away from you when you sleep, you won’t spend hours scrolling through social media right as you go to bed or right as you wake up
- Remember the goal of social media apps: Our favorite apps are designed to grab our attention and keep us on the platform, so being intentional with your time online is important.
FOMO is a growing phenomenon in today’s world, but educators have the power to guide students toward healthier, more balanced relationships with technology. By empowering students to strike a balance between social media and the real world, they become equipped with the tools to overcome FOMO. For more strategies like the ones above, check out the #WinAtSocial 9th grade lesson: Debating Tech Giants’ Newest Features and The Science of Screen Time. Want to discover more strategies to empower responsible and mindful tech use? Request a demo for our learning platform #WinAtSocial today.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
FOMO is not a new concent, and is something everyone will experience at some point throughout their life. Think back to a time you personally experienced FOMO. Did you do something to overcome it? What advice would you give to your classmates on handling FOMO?
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.