FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

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FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

[foh-moh]

What Is FOMO?

FOMO is the anxious feeling that exciting or interesting things might be happening elsewhere, especially triggered by seeing social media posts of others' activities. It's that nagging worry that everyone else is doing something more fun or living a better life than you are.

Word Origins:

The term "FOMO" was first coined by Patrick McGinnis in 2004 while he was a student at Harvard Business School, describing the tendency of students to try to attend every social event out of fear of missing something important. The term gained widespread popularity with the rise of social media in the early 2010s.

How FOMO Affects Digital Wellness

FOMO can lead to compulsive checking of social media, difficulty focusing on present moments, and increased anxiety. It often results in constant phone checking, excessive social media use, and feelings of inadequacy when comparing our lives to the carefully curated highlights we see online.

Managing FOMO in Daily Life

Practice mindful social media use by setting specific times for checking updates

Enable app limits for social platforms

Focus on creating meaningful real-life experiences

Remember that social media shows highlight reels, not real life

Consider regular digital detox periods

Social Media Addiction: Compulsive use of social media platforms despite negative consequences

Digital Anxiety: Stress and worry related to digital device use and online presence

Social Media Comparison: The habit of measuring your life against others' social media presence

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)