INTERPRETIVIST STUDY ON FEAR OF MISSING OUT AMONG MUSLIM FEMALE GEN-Z STUDENTS

The study highlights the lived experiences of fear of missing out (FOMO) in Muslim female Generation Z students of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Permatang Pauh, focusing particularly on the aspect of Islamic values and halal awareness. Following the interpretivist phenomenological methodology, data was collected using semi-structured interviews from eight participants and then analyzed thematically. Six themes arose in the process, including the experience of FOMO, social media influence, belongingness and social relationships, Islamic values and religious awareness, halal awareness and responsible consumption, and the balance of religion and FOMO. Social media increased social comparisons and social belongingness needs among participants. However, religion-based values and halal awareness of participants helped them control themselves and make appropriate decisions according to their religious values. In this study, the "Halal-FOMO Paradox" is introduced, which represents the conflict between digital social influences and faith-based self-control. The study contributes to the existing literature on digital well-being and the impact of Islamic values on FOMO.