FOMO, short for the fear of missing out, is a psychological condition characterized by persistent anxiety about missing out on socialization, valuable information, memorable events, or new experiences. To gain a deeper understanding of the psychology behind FOMO, let us explore this phenomenon further.
What is FOMO? How To Deal With FOMO?
FOMO refers to a syndrome or a feeling of apprehension where individuals experience obsessive concerns about missing out on information, events, social interactions, memorable experiences, or decisions that they believe would enhance their lives. Consequently, they may engage in compulsive behaviors to counteract these feelings. Increasingly recognized as a mental health condition, FOMO often manifests through pathological use of social media and a persistent fear of regret.
FOMO is characterized by a strong desire to be constantly informed and connected to what others are experiencing or doing. It can arise from situations that make individuals feel they are “out of the loop” regarding gossip, exciting events, or the experiences of others.
Terms Associated with FOMO
FOMO on Social Media
The term “FOMO” was coined in 2004 and is commonly used in relation to problematic social media behavior. Individuals experiencing FOMO on social media often exhibit obsessive use of social networking platforms. Exclusion from online exchanges or the inability to access social media can lead to severe anxiety or depression symptoms.
In many cases, these individuals spend a significant amount of time on virtual platforms, disregarding their immediate surroundings. This can result in conflicts, strained relationships, and social isolation. The prevalence of FOMO has risen due to technological advancements and increased use of social networking sites.
FOMO: Did You Know?
Signs of FOMO
While FOMO has yet to be recognized as an official diagnosis, popular research has identified several common signs of fear of missing out in relation to social media use. These signs include:
Excessive time spent on social media while neglecting other responsibilities.
Deriving happiness primarily from social media use.
Experiencing extreme discomfort and negative emotions when unable to use social media or stay updated on friends and acquaintances.
Basing one’s self-worth solely on the opinions of others.
Feeling excluded and inferior when missing out on online conversations.
A strong urge to replicate or imitate attractive activities seen on social media platforms.
Reduced need for sleep.
Engaging in excessive socialization, both offline and online.
Decreased life satisfaction when not interacting online.
What Causes FOMO?
There is no single cause for the fear of missing out. However, research suggests several potential reasons why individuals may develop FOMO:
Amygdala activation: The amygdala, a part of the limbic system responsible for processing emotions, plays a significant role in the development of FOMO. This primal brain region amplifies the fear and anxiety associated with witnessing others surpassing or acquiring things that individuals cannot. FOMO can be seen as an exaggeration of our survival instincts.
Inability to meet satisfaction needs: Individuals who feel they are not living up to their standards or expectations are more susceptible to experiencing FOMO. Their discontentment with life becomes more pronounced when they come across seemingly perfect lives on social media, leading to emotions like envy and resentment.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms: FOMO often involves uncontrollable thoughts about missing something important and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive social media use, to counteract these thoughts. These symptoms are akin to those seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder, suggesting a possible connection between the two. Research indicates that individuals with an intense fear of missing out may have experienced trauma in the past, triggering compulsive checking behaviors.
