International Journal of Christian Education and Philosophical Inquiry
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): July : International Journal of Christian Education and Philosophical Inquiry

Pastoral Counseling for Congregants Experiencing Fear of Missing Out Due to Social Media

Gede Widiada (Unknown)
Sara Do Hina (Unknown)
Apin Militia Christi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2024

Abstract

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has become a significant psychosocial and spiritual concern among congregants whose daily rhythms are shaped by social media visibility, comparison, and constant connectivity. This article examines FoMO as an object of pastoral counseling, not merely as excessive screen use but as a relational and affective pattern in which digital platforms intensify unmet needs for belonging, identity, autonomy, and meaningful participation. The study aims to construct a pastoral counseling approach for congregants who experience anxiety, compulsive checking, social comparison, diminished self-worth, and spiritual distraction because of social media. Methodologically, the article uses a constructive-integrative literature review, synthesizing peer-reviewed research on FoMO, problematic social media use, social comparison, self-determination theory, and spiritually integrated counseling alongside major works in pastoral care and practical theology. The synthesis indicates that FoMO is best understood as a need-frustration cycle that is amplified by passive browsing, online comparison, and algorithmic immediacy. Pastoral counseling can respond constructively through careful assessment, theological reframing of identity and belonging, digital habit formation, communal practices, and referral pathways when psychological risk is present. The article concludes that pastoral counseling is uniquely positioned to transform FoMO from anxious digital vigilance into discernment, embodied community, and spiritually grounded digital wisdom.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJCEP

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

Description

International Journal of Christian Education and Philosophical Inquiry; This a journal intended for the publication of scientific articles published by Asosiasi Riset Ilmu Pendidkan Agama dan Filsafat Indonesia.The articles published are articles on the themes of religious education, catechesis, ...