DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/sabda.21.1.25-49

Fear of Missing Out as a Reflection of Generation Z’s Participatory Culture: A Study of Slang Forms Among TikTok Users in Indonesia

1Program Studi Sastra Budaya, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Jl. Tri Dharma No.9, Padang Bulan, Kec. Medan Baru, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20222, Indonesia

2Alumni, Program Studi Antropologi, Universitas Al Washliyah Darussalam Banda Aceh, Rukoh, Kec. Syiah Kuala, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia

Received: 14 Dec 2025; Published: 7 Jun 2026.
Editor(s): Alamsyah Alamsyah

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Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as a reflection of Generation
Z’s participatory culture through the use of slang on the TikTok platform in Indonesia. Theoretically,
this study is grounded in the sociolinguistic perspective of Chaer and Agustina (2010), which
emphasizes that language is variable according to heterogeneous social contexts. Within this
framework, slang is understood as part of a dynamic sociolect and functions as a marker of group
identity. The analysis employs the classification of slang forms by Allan and Burridge (2006) namely,
fresh and creative, flippant, imitative, acronym, and clipping which is relevant for explaining
Generation Z’s linguistic adaptations in responding to the demands of fast-paced and aesthetically
driven digital communication. This study employs a qualitative netnographic approach with
participatory observation of trending content from March 2024 to December 2026. Data consisting of
captions, video transcripts, and comments were selected through purposive sampling based on
criteria of virality, interaction intensity, and representation of slang forms until data saturation was
reached. The results of the study revealed 15 instances of slang categorized into four types according
to Allan and Buridge (2006): 4 instances of “fresh and creative,” 3 of “flippant,” 4 of “acronyms,”
and 4 of “clippings.” The research findings also indicate that the use of slang serves not only as a
communication tool but also as a performative strategy to maintain social existence amid FoMO
pressures, aligning with Eckert’s (2019) perspective on language as a practice of identity negotiation
in digital society.

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Keywords: Slang, Generation Z, Fear of Missing Out, TikTok, Netnography.

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