FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is considered a cognitive bias because it involves a distorted way of thinking where individuals overestimate the value or reward of experiences that others are having, leading to feelings of deprivation and anxiety about missing out. This bias is rooted in human evolutionary psychology, where social belonging was vital for survival, and the brain is hardwired to seek social acceptance, making people more sensitive to perceived exclusion. FOMO combines this cognitive distortion with emotional triggers like anxiety and fear of regret, causing individuals to impulsively seek experiences or social validation, often through compulsive behaviors like continuous social media checking. Essentially, FOMO is a cognitive bias because it reflects an irrational valuation and fear-driven decision-making process related to social connectedness and inclusion.
Why FOMO is a Cognitive Bias
- It leads to overestimation of others' experiences as more rewarding or valuable than one's own, creating a skewed perception.
- It is driven by emotional responses such as anxiety and fear of regret, which distort rational evaluation.
- It stems from a basic human drive for social belonging and acceptance , amplifying sensitivity to social exclusion cues.
- It results in compulsive behaviors (like constant social media checking) aimed at reducing anxiety but often reinforcing the bias.
Psychological and Behavioral Effects
- Anxiety and restlessness about missing out.
- Distraction and decreased productivity due to compulsive engagement with social information.
- Feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem from comparing one's life with others.
- Potential negative impacts on mental health like stress and depression.
Overall, FOMO is a cognitive bias because it reflects a systematic, irrational thinking pattern that affects how individuals perceive social realities and make decisions based on fear rather than factual assessment.
