FOMO

FOMO, or fear of missing out, is a psychological phenomenon characterized by anxiety that others are having rewarding experiences from which one is absent. It is commonly linked to social media, where people frequently share highlights of their lives, creating a perception that other people are enjoying more exciting or meaningful experiences. The term was coined by Patrick J. McGinnis in 2004 in The Harbus, the Harvard Business School student newspaper, and has since entered broader usage.

Causes and mechanisms of FOMO include social comparison, the brain’s sensitivity to social rewards, and the persistent exposure to others’ curated experiences online. Algorithms that emphasize novelty and social feedback can reinforce frequent checking and heightened anticipation. FOMO tends to be more pronounced among adolescents and young adults, though it can affect people of any age.

The effects of FOMO span emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains. It is associated with increased anxiety, lower life satisfaction, and sleep disruption. It can lead to decision paralysis, overcommitment to events to avoid regret, or avoidance of offline activities in favor of online engagement. In some cases, it contributes to compulsive checking and reduced attention to present experiences.

Coping strategies focus on digital wellbeing and intentional living. Practical approaches include setting boundaries for device use, limiting social media exposure, muting nonessential notifications, and scheduling offline moments. Mindfulness, gratitude practices, and reframing expectations can help reduce the impact of FOMO by emphasizing engagement in meaningful activities rather than constant comparison.

See also: social media effects, decision fatigue.