FOMO – Why the Fear of Missing Out Can Be Hazardous to Your Mental Health

What is FOMO and Why is it Dangerous?

The fear of missing out is more or less an addiction to novelty.

It may be about anything, but whatever it is, you’re not the only one who has experienced, is experiencing, nor would experience it.

FOMO is an Illusion

But FOMO is an illusion; not because you won’t miss out on some things if you don't try to stay updated. But because no matter how hard you try, you will always miss out on some things – either by choice or by physical constraints.        

FOMO Can Lead You to Be Taken Advantage of

They know that there is a deep-rooted fear in you to not miss out, and so they leverage it.

This means we strongly desire to act like the people around us – we look around to see what others are doing so that we can do the same – to avoid being an oddball (or feel awkward).      

It's what makes you stop scrolling and start gawking at the perfect vacation picture of your high school classmate on Instagram.

This is what makes you drool over the new shoes your Facebook friend bought.

It is what makes you want to leave the boring class and go have some fun.   

People who should listen to this show are therapists and counselors