Fear of missing out, commonly abbreviated as FOMO, is a psychological phenomenon characterized by the feeling or perception that others are having rewarding experiences from which one is absent. It involves anxiety or worry about missing out on social events, experiences, or opportunities that might improve one's life. FOMO is often associated with the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing, especially through social media. People experiencing FOMO may feel a compulsive need to maintain social connections to avoid the feeling of missing out. The term was introduced around 2004 and gained widespread usage by 2010, and it has since been linked to various negative emotions and impacts such as loneliness, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and problematic social media use. It stems from unmet social relatedness needs and can lead to stress, emotional tension, and reduced well-being. FOMO reflects a complex interplay between personal predisposition and social factors, often reinforced by the reward system of successful social connections. In essence, FOMO is more than just wanting to be part of fun events; it is a deep apprehension and fear that others might be having better experiences, leading to a sense of social inferiority or exclusion. It is a modern manifestation of a basic human need to belong and be connected to others but amplified by digital technology and social media platforms. FOMO has diagnostic relevance in mental health contexts as it can be associated with problematic social media usage and various emotional and psychological challenges.
