The lifestyle of Gen Z continues to evolve, and one of the latest trends gaining attention in 2025 is YONO, which stands for You Only Need One.
This trend emerged as a response to the excessive consumption patterns prevalent in the past, such as the YOLO (You Only Live Once) lifestyle and the flexing culture that often prioritized luxury and showing off wealth.
Unlike YOLO, YONO emphasizes a simple, efficient, and sustainable way of living. This concept is a positive shift, steering away from consumerism towards a more mindful and responsible lifestyle.
YONO: A Minimalist Approach to Living
According to The Korea Times, YONO first gained popularity in South Korea before spreading to other countries, including those in Southeast Asia. This principle arose from the growing awareness among young people of the importance of investing and managing finances for a secure future.
While YOLO encourages spending to satisfy desires, YONO encourages the younger generation to think twice before purchasing. The concept focuses on buying essential items that are truly needed, adhering to the principle of purchasing only one item for a specific function. New items are bought only when the old ones are no longer usable or functional.
In other words, YONO promotes a frugal and need-conscious lifestyle, reminding us to prioritize necessities over wants to reduce unnecessary expenses.
This principle not only helps individuals manage their personal finances better but also supports sustainability by curbing overconsumption.
JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out
Alongside YONO, a related trend that has emerged is JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). While YOLO (You Only Live Once) often embraces living life to the fullest by indulging in experiences and seeking excitement, JOMO is all about finding joy in stepping away from the noise of modern life and embracing solitude or simplicity.
JOMO, as a counter to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), reflects a deeper connection to mindfulness and self-care. It encourages people to disconnect from social media pressures and overcommitment in favor of time alone, cultivating a peaceful and intentional lifestyle.
This concept encourages prioritizing quality over quantity, whether it’s in terms of social interactions or experiences.
While YONO focuses on reducing material consumption, JOMO encourages reducing mental clutter, cutting out unnecessary social engagements and digital distractions. By doing so, it helps people focus on what truly matters to them, enhancing overall well-being and mental health.
The Connection Between YONO, YOLO, and JOMO
Each of these concepts YOLO, YONO, and JOMO, represents a shift in the way young people approach life in the 21st century. YOLO was born out of a desire to live in the moment and chase thrilling experiences, often driven by impulse and spontaneity.
But as people began to feel the weight of FOMO (fear of missing out) and unsustainable consumption, YONO emerged as a reminder to slow down, consider what’s truly necessary, and adopt a more minimalist approach.
Now, JOMO is becoming an essential part of this conversation, encouraging people to step back and take joy in missing out on the busy, over-saturated demands of modern society. It's about embracing quiet moments, enjoying time alone, and focusing on things that nourish the soul.
Embracing the New Age of Living with Intent
The evolving mindset of Gen Z and younger generations reflects a search for balance, between indulgence, necessity, and mindfulness. While YOLO encourages a pursuit of life’s wild adventures, YONO and JOMO suggest a move toward self-awareness, mindful living, and finding peace in simplicity.
In a world that often pushes people to live for the moment or follow trends, these philosophies challenge individuals to choose intentionality over impulse, quality over quantity, and stillness over noise.
It’s not about missing out on life, it’s about choosing your life thoughtfully, in line with your values and personal peace.
