FOMO

Extracted Attributes

• Acronym

  FOMO

• Full Name

  Fear of Missing Out

• Introduction Year

  2004

• Application Fields

  Social networking, investing, business marketing, video games

• Associated Symptoms

  Anxiety, depression, compulsive behavior, sleep disruption, lowered self-esteem

• Psychological Framework

  Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

• Oxford Dictionary Entry Year

  2013

Timeline

• The term 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) is first introduced to describe social phenomena linked to social networking. (Source: Web Search)

  2004-01-01

• The term FOMO begins to be extensively used to describe behaviors observed on social media platforms. (Source: Web Search)

  2010-01-01

• FOMO is officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary and formally defined by British psychologists as a persistent fear that others are enjoying rewarding experiences while one is absent. (Source: Web Search)

  2013-01-01

Fear of missing out

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the feeling of apprehension that one is either not in the know about or missing out on information, events, experiences, or life decisions that could make one's life better. FOMO is also associated with a fear of regret, which may lead to concerns that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, a memorable event, profitable investment, or the comfort of loved ones. It is characterized by a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing, and can be described as the fear that deciding not to participate is the wrong choice. FOMO could result from not knowing about a conversation, missing a TV show, not attending a wedding or party, or hearing that others have discovered a new restaurant. In recent years, FOMO has been attributed to a number of negative psychological and behavioral symptoms. FOMO has increased in recent times due to advancements in technology. Social networking sites create many opportunities for FOMO. While it provides opportunities for social engagement, it offers a view into an endless stream of activities in which a person is not involved. Further, a common tendency is to post about positive experiences (such as a great restaurant) rather than negative ones (such as a bad first date). Psychological dependence on social media can lead to FOMO or even pathological Internet use. FOMO is also present in video games, investing, and business marketing. The increasing popularity of the phrase has led to related linguistic and cultural variants. FOMO is associated with worsening depression and anxiety, and a lowered quality of life. FOMO can also affect businesses. Hype and trends can lead business leaders to invest based on perceptions of what others are doing, rather than their own business strategy. This is also the idea of the bandwagon effect, where one individual may see another person or people do something and they begin to think it must be important because everyone is doing it. They might not even understand the meaning behind it, and they may not totally agree with it. Nevertheless, they are still going to participate because they don't want to be left out.

Web Search Results

• Fear of missing out - Wikipedia

  Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the feeling of apprehension that one is either not in the know about or missing out on information, events, experiences, or life decisions that could make one's life better. FOMO is also associated with a fear of regret, which may lead to concerns that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, a memorable event, profitable investment, or the comfort of loved ones. It is characterized by a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing, and can be described as the fear that deciding not to participate is the wrong choice. FOMO could result from not knowing about a conversation, missing a TV show, not attending a wedding or party, or hearing that others have discovered a new restaurant. In recent years, FOMO has [...] FOMO has increased in recent times due to advancements in technology. Social networking sites create many opportunities for FOMO. While it provides opportunities for social engagement, it offers a view into an endless stream of activities in which a person is not involved. Further, a common tendency is to post about positive experiences (such as a great restaurant) rather than negative ones (such as a bad first date). Psychological dependence on social media can lead to FOMO or even pathological Internet use. FOMO is also present in video games, investing, and business marketing. The increasing popularity of the phrase has led to related linguistic and cultural variants. FOMO is associated with worsening depression "Depression (mood)") and anxiety, and a lowered quality of life. [...] Within video games, FOMO is also used to describe the similar anxiety around missing the ability to obtain in-game items or complete activities that are only available for a limited time, such as those in battle passes. This is particularly common for multiplayer video games, where such items are cosmetic in nature but reflect a player's skill to other players in the game and can become a sign of social standing within the game's community; wherein failure to acquire a limited cosmetic item may lead to social outcasting. ### Investing

• Fear of missing out: A brief overview of origin, theoretical underpinnings and relationship with mental health - PMC

  Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a unique term introduced in 2004 and then extensively used since 2010 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites. It eventually made it to the oxford dictionary in 2013. In 2013 British psychologists elaborated and defined it as “pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent”, FoMO is characterized by the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing. FoMO was conceptualized using self-determination theory (SDT), which was developed by Ryan et al and applied by Przybylski et al to understanding what drives FOMO. In SDT, social relatedness can drive intrinsic motivation, which in turn can encourage positive mental health. Przybylski et al applied SDT to FoMO, proposing that [...] Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites. FoMO includes two processes; firstly, perception of missing out, followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections. We are interested in understanding the complex construct of FoMO and its relations to the need to belong and form stable interpersonal relationships. It is associated with a range of negative life experiences and feelings, due to it being considered a problematic attachment to social media. We have provided a general review of the literature and have summarized the findings in relation to mental health, social functioning, sleep, academic performance and productivity, neuro-developmental disorders, and physical well-being. We [...] or if they are where they should be in terms of their life. FoMO includes two processes; firstly, perception of missing out, followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections. The social aspect of FoMO could be postulated as relatedness which refers to the need to belong, and formation of strong and stable interpersonal relationships. FoMO is considered as a type of problematic attachment to social media, and is associated with a range of negative life experiences and feelings, such as a lack of sleep, reduced life competency, emotional tension, negative effects on physical well-being, anxiety and a lack of emotional control; with intimate connections possibly being seen as a way to counter social rejection. In the last seven years research is done to establish

• What Is FOMO and How It Affects Your Life and Decisions

  FOMO is closely linked to social anxiety, where individuals worry excessively about their social presence and how they are perceived online. This anxiety can drive individuals to constantly check their social media accounts, seeking validation and reassurance from their online interactions. It’s a vicious cycle that can lead to heightened stress and decreased self-esteem. [...] ## Definition of FOMO The term ‘Fear of Missing Out’ (FOMO) was first introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon closely linked to the rise of social networking. It encapsulates the anxiety that arises when individuals perceive that others are having fulfilling experiences that they are not part of. This feeling of exclusion can be pervasive and deeply unsettling. In 2013, British psychologists provided a more formal definition of FOMO as a persistent fear that others are enjoying rewarding experiences while one is absent. This definition highlights the emotional distress and compulsive need to stay connected, which are hallmarks of FOMO. This fear extends beyond missing events or activities to include anxiety about not being part of a social circle or missing important updates. [...] ## Summary FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a powerful psychological phenomenon that has significant implications for marketing. By understanding its definition and psychological basis, marketers can craft strategies that leverage FOMO to drive consumer engagement and sales. The use of urgency, scarcity, and social proof are key tactics in FOMO marketing, effectively prompting consumers to act quickly to avoid missing out.

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): What it is and How to Cope

  ## What is FOMO? Fear of missing out (FOMO) involves anxiety and unease about how others might be having more rewarding experiences than you. FOMO isn’t unique to the online world. You might feel it when friends at the dinner table tell you about an exciting vacation they’re about to go on. However, social media usage tends to worsen FOMO. That’s because, at any time of day or night, you can scroll through your feed and fixate on what’s happening in the world and what other people are doing without you. [...] FOMO can show up in many different ways. It can be a fleeting thought that enters your mind after seeing something you wish you were a part of—a video of a concert, for example, or a picture of a wedding or graduation party. Or it can manifest as an urge to compulsively check your phone for notifications and updates. You might sit alone, feeling envious about how much fun others are having as you scroll through your feed, only to later realize how much time has passed you by. If this sounds like you, you’re certainly not alone in these habits. In fact, you probably know lots of people who always seem to be glued to their phones, whether in class, at work, or on a date. [...] ## Mental health effects of FOMO Despite how it’s often casually used nowadays as a slang term, FOMO can have serious mental health consequences. Some research shows that excessive social media usage and FOMO can contribute to anxiety. The desire to constantly say “in the loop” keeps you from enjoying life. Instead, you spend more time ruminating about what you’re missing, and that leaves you feeling stressed. FOMO can also fuel depressive symptoms and weigh down your self-esteem. You might constantly compare your life with the idealized lives that other people present on social media—seemingly always out, always having fun. You begin to believe that you don’t measure up to your peers.

• FOMO Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

  # FOMO ## noun a feeling of anxiety or insecurity over the possibility of missing out on something, as an event or an opportunity. If I say no to a party invitation, I get a bad case of FOMO. ## Usage What does FOMO mean? Short for fear of missing out, FOMO is an anxious feeling you get when you feel other people might be having a good time without you. In the digital age, FOMO often leads to a constant checking of social media to see what your friends are doing. ## Etymology ### Origin of FOMO First recorded in 2000–05; f(ear) o(f) m(issing) o(ut) ## Example Sentences Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com. [...] "Most Chinese people are quite studious and forward-looking, so when confronted with new things, they might have stronger feelings" of so-called FOMO, he said. From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026 Logo link to Barron's Watching the clip afterward, I felt real FOMO. From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026 Logo link to Slate WSJ: How much of leaders’ enthusiasm for, and investments in, AI is looking over your shoulder at competitors and FOMO? From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025 Logo link to The Wall Street Journal Another factor may now be helping to drive the gold market upwards: FOMO, or fear of missing out. From BBC • May 12, 2025 Logo link to BBC We could have done a second show, but we only wanted to do one show because we kind of wanted to create FOMO.

• Instance Of

  Q21191270