The increasing integration of social media into everyday life has led to greater reliance on these platforms to stay connected to the world. One of the phenomena associated with this overuse is the fear of missing something in the flood of data.
Psychology experts maintain that there is a need to appear, to not miss anything, evidencing not only an obsession with staying up to date with news on networks, but also a constant comparison with the lives of others.
What is FOMO
FOMO is a psychological pathology described as “a generalized apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent.”
This type of social anxiety is characterized by a desire to be continually connected to what others are doing.
The symptoms of FOMO range from excessive use of electronic devices to difficulty disconnecting, generating stress, anxiety and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction.
Why social networks favor the problem
The very design of social networks could favor the emergence of FOMObecause these platforms are structured in such a way that they encourage constant comparison between users and their peers.
Posts often show only the most positive aspects of people’s lives, which can lead to distorted perceptions and a feeling that one is missing out on similar experiences.
Besides, The algorithm of many social networks prioritizes the content that generates the most interactionwhich can intensify the feeling that everyone except the user is participating in desirable activities.
This can also create a cycle where the fear of missing out prompts users to spend more time online, exacerbating the problem.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
