FOMO, Social Media, and the Surge in Suicide Cases: A Student Mental Health Perspective in the Digital Age

Abstract

In the digital era, the use of social media among students in Indonesia continues to increase, giving rise to the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). According to data from We Are Social and Hootsuite (2023), 34% of social media users in Indonesia come from the 18-24 age group, making students the most vulnerable group to the negative impact of social media. FOMO, a condition where a person feels afraid of falling behind on information or activities that others are doing, often triggers anxiety and stress. This contributes to a decline in mental health, which in some cases leads to an increase in suicidal thoughts. A report from the Ministry of Health (2021) states that one in four university students in Indonesia experience mental health disorders, with intensive social media use as one of the triggering factors. This research uses a literature study method, by reviewing various scientific literature, government reports, and recent statistical data related to the relationship between FOMO, social media, and college students' mental health. Data were collected from academic journals, health surveys, and campus suicide reports. The study results show that FOMO triggered by social media use has a significant impact on college students' mental health. The pressure to always be “connected” and follow trends leads to chronic anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal tendencies. The surge in suicides among college students shows the need for serious attention to this phenomenon.In conclusion, FOMO and the overuse of social media contribute greatly to the mental health crisis among college students. A preventive approach through digital literacy education and mental health support on campus is needed to address this issue.