The JoMO Lifestyle and the Challenge of Independence for Generation Z College Students

Abstract

The development of digital technology and social media has shaped new patterns of interaction among Generation Z college students. One social phenomenon that has emerged in response to digital social pressure is the “Joy of Missing Out” (JoMO), which refers to the attitude of accepting and enjoying the state of not always being involved in certain social activities or trends. This study aims to describe the application of the JoMO lifestyle among Generation Z students and its relationship with aspects of independence, as examined through indicators of self-acceptance, social comparison, and self-happiness. This study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method. The research instrument consists of a 1–5 Likert scale questionnaire distributed to 100 active Generation Z students in the Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FPIPS) at the Indonesia University of Education in 2025 using total sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively using percentages, frequencies, and mean scores. The results indicate that all indicators fall into the high category, with an average score of 18.74 for self-acceptance, 18.86 for social comparison, and 20.4 for self-happiness. These findings suggest that Generation Z students tend to exhibit good self-acceptance and self-happiness, along with a low tendency toward negative social comparison, reflecting the adoption of the JoMO lifestyle. This study contributes to understanding the digital lifestyle of Generation Z students and serves as a foundation for higher education institutions in designing student support programs that promote a balance between academic, social, and psychological well-being.