FOMO: When the fear of missing out rules your life
Basically, it’s nice Yes to say about life and to experience as much as possible. These are the moments when we surpass ourselves and Memories create that no one can take from us. However, there is a healthy limit that should not be exceeded. When we run out of invitations cancel can because we Fear have before something to miss; when we compulsively through social media scroll to guess who’s where, with whom – then it’s time for a reality check. At this point, the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) our life firmly under control and does not allow us to rest. Does all this sound familiar to you? We explain what FOMO (abbreviation for “Fear of Missing Out”) is all about, why it can be so exhausting and how you can best get rid of it.
FOMO Meaning: when canceling an invitation becomes an impossibility
Do you know that? Your friends ask you if you want to go party with them tonight. Actually, you are not particularly motivated and have other things to do that you have been putting off for a long time. However, the thought that you could miss an unforgettable moment on this evening changes your mind and forces you to agree. This phenomenon has a name: FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out. The fear of missing out – and it’s very real.
She describes the inner unrest and the conflict between the need to stay at home or to cancel an event in general and the worry of not being able to have a say in something because you were not there. Behind all this is the panic of loneliness and the loss of connection with fellow human beings. There is a fear of making yourself unpopular and not being invited in the future if you cancel too often – and that can be pretty tiring.
The Burden of FOMO: How Fear Takes Control of Your Life
At first glance, the FOMO doesn’t sound that bad. After all, you get a lot, don’t miss anything and always have fun – right? In reality it looks different. Those affected often suffer from many symptoms that make life difficult for them. Most of the time, your thoughts revolve around what other people are doing. When they are about to experience something, they tend to think about what to post on which social media platform rather than really enjoying the moment. Instagram and Co. generally play a major role in FOMO. The posts of others fuel them and create a negative feeling for those affected who see their friends doing something without them.
The mobile phone is a constant companion because it maintains social contact with the outside world. Therefore, difficulties concentrating in everyday life and even mild withdrawal symptoms when putting the smartphone away are typical symptoms of FOMO. If those affected do not have access to this communication channel for a long time, they often become jittery, restless and anxious. It can even go so far as to cause insomnia.
Where does FOMO come from? Social media fuels the fear of missing out
Social media can be good for many things: you stay in touch with friends you have met somewhere in the world, you get to know new cultures and think outside the box. But social media is also why many people have FOMO in the first place. You scroll through your apps, Instagram, TikTok, maybe even Facebook and you see people, friends, acquaintances and influencers everywhere celebrating their best life. Maybe your own group of friends is there together?