FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
(The fear of missing out on others’ experiences)
FOMO is a term in social psychology that refers to a person’s persistent anxiety or concern that others are experiencing opportunities, events, or pleasures from which they are absent.
This phenomenon has become very common in the era of social media.
Scientific Definition
In psychological research, FOMO is defined as:
An emotional–cognitive state characterized by a persistent concern that others might be having rewarding social experiences from which one is absent, leading the individual to continuously monitor others’ activities.
This concept was first systematically studied by Przybylski and colleagues (2013) in media psychology research.
Psychological Mechanisms of FOMO
1. Social Comparison
Humans naturally compare their lives with others.
On social media, people often present the best moments of their lives, which can lead viewers to feel that:
- Others are happier
- Others are more successful
- Others have more exciting lives
2. Need for Social Belonging
According to Self‑Determination Theory, humans have three basic psychological needs:
- Autonomy
- Competence
- Relatedness (social belonging)
When a person feels excluded from social interactions, FOMO may be triggered.
3. The Brain’s Reward System
Notifications, likes, and messages activate the dopamine reward system in the brain.
These small rewards encourage individuals to constantly check social media platforms.
Signs and Symptoms
People experiencing FOMO often:
- Frequently check social media
- Worry about missing news or events
- Feel anxious when away from their phone
- Have difficulty focusing on present activities
- Believe others are living better lives
Psychological Consequences
Research shows that FOMO is associated with:
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Lower life satisfaction
- Sleep disturbances
- Smartphone or internet dependency
More Vulnerable Groups
FOMO is more commonly observed among:
- Adolescents and young adults
- Individuals with low self‑esteem
- People with a high need for social approval
- Heavy social media users
Strategies to Reduce FOMO
Several effective psychological strategies include:
- Reducing time spent on social media
- Focusing on real-life, in‑person experiences
- Practicing mindfulness
- Recognizing that online content is often selective and exaggerated
Summary
FOMO is a modern form of social anxiety that arises from the interaction of social comparison, the need for belonging, and the reward-driven design of social media platforms.
Although it is a natural phenomenon, when intense it can negatively affect mental health, sleep, and concentration.
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