The term FOMO has actually been popular for a long time, but recently it has become more frequently discussed. FOMO stands for fear of missing out or can be interpreted as fear of missing out on something that is trending.

Find out more about what FOMO is and what causes it.

The History of FOMO

The term FOMO was first introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites. FOMO is described as a perception of missing out on something followed by compulsive behavior to maintain social connections.

FOMO is considered a need to belong to a social group and form stable interpersonal relationships. FOMO is associated with a variety of negative life experiences and feelings. People who experience FOMO feel attached to social media and tend to want to keep up with everything so as not to feel left out.

FOMO also refers to the feeling that other people have better lives, which leads to envy that can affect self-esteem. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common as social media has become a part of almost everyone's life.

What Causes FOMO?

The innate desire to be social and belong to a social group can cause FOMO. The fear of missing out on important moments or social experiences felt by others can also cause FOMO.

Humans as social creatures have a need to stay connected and be recognized by their social groups, so there can be a desire to socialize and have the same experiences as others.

FOMO is mainly driven by social media, where users often share the most important moments in life. When you see other people doing something fun, you may feel anxious and worried that you can't do the same.

Signs of FOMO

FOMO is currently not a diagnosable mental condition, but it can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. There are some things that can be seen in FOMO, namely:

• Obsessively checking social media to see what other people are up to
• Experiencing negative feelings when looking at other people's life posts on social media and comparing them to yourself
• Feeling mentally exhausted when looking at social media
• Trying to be everywhere all the time
• Withdrawing from others
• Feeling sad, anxious, or experiencing symptoms of depression
• Having difficulty concentrating, which is a common symptom of anxiety or stress
• Having trouble sleeping, which can also be linked to anxiety or stress

FOMO can affect your mental health and daily activities. So if you are struggling to concentrate, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad and anxious to the point where it is interfering with your life, then you need to seek professional help.

For medical advice or consultation, you can visit a healthcare professional or use Ai Care's consultation feature by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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