Hello, it’s Duru. 😊 The topic of this article is FOMO, something that has likely affected all of us at some point. Some of you may not have heard of this term though. So, what exactly is FOMO?

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a psychological state that has become increasingly common with the rise of social media and the constantly connected lifestyle brought by the digital age. It is defined as the fear of missing out on social events, opportunities, or information and can significantly impact individuals’ daily lives.

Why Does FOMO Occur?

FOMO can arise from the fear of being excluded. Humans are social beings, and social status can be very meaningful to us. Some people may even open social media accounts after a long time due to this fear. The absence of social media accounts can sometimes be perceived negatively.

Another major factor is consumer culture. Today, due to the internet, we constantly feel the need to buy new products. Everyone wants to have the newest and most popular items, but the fast pace of trends makes it nearly impossible to keep up. This can leave individuals feeling left behind and inadequate. If you ever feel this way, remind yourself: most of the products you see online are marketed by influencers. Influencers often don’t pay for these products—instead, they profit from promoting them. It’s unrealistic for the average person to own so many products at once.

Another factor is the feeling of uncertainty. Although the internet is rich in information, it can also be overwhelming. A product you purchased last week due to its rave reviews might be criticized the next day. Often, such smear campaigns are driven by rival brands, pushing you to abandon your new product and purchase something else.

Additionally, some people attempt to overcome mental health struggles through the excitement of shopping. While these purchases may feel good at first, the effect doesn’t last. Remember, material items are temporary, but memories are everlasting. Therefore, it’s wiser to invest in services and experiences that will benefit you in the long run.

Psychological and Physical Effects of FOMO 😣

Psychologically, FOMO can lead to anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction. People often compare their own lives with the seemingly perfect lives they see on social media. This comparison can make individuals feel inadequate and leave them in a constant state of worry about missing out on others’ experiences.

Studies show that FOMO is linked to depression and anxiety, negatively impacting overall mental health.

Physically, FOMO can also have consequences. Constantly being on social media and disconnecting from offline life can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to long-term sleep issues. Extended screen time can harm eye health, and reduced physical activity may lead to weight gain.

Strategies to Cope with FOMO 💪

Here are some strategies to reduce the impact of FOMO and protect your mental health:

1. Limit Social Media Usage

On social media, we often know both too much and too little about people’s lives, which can intensify feelings of FOMO. It’s important to remind ourselves that social media doesn’t reflect the full picture—people rarely share the negative aspects of their lives. Setting time limits on social media apps and reducing screen time can help us become more aware of our personal lives.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help us stay present and reduce anxiety. These methods are effective in managing the stress and worry caused by FOMO. Mindguru has compiled mindfulness and meditation techniques for you.

3. Focus on Your Social Circle

Face-to-face interactions can be more fulfilling than digital ones. Regularly spending time with family and friends strengthens our social bonds and reduces the effects of FOMO. One of the most important things FOMO makes us forget is the value of what we already have. We should remember the people around us and remind ourselves to be grateful for their presence.

4. Set Personal Goals

Focusing on our personal goals and interests can help us manage our lives more satisfactorily. It’s crucial not to compare our own achievements and happiness with others. Setting personal goals allows us to gain unique experiences and builds self-confidence. Often, FOMO stems from not feeling special or feeling left behind. Incorporating creative activities into our lives can help us overcome these feelings. Mindguru has gathered different activity ideas for you. 

FOMO is an issue that affects all of us at some point. It’s a very human emotion, so there’s no need to feel ashamed about it. If you’re currently experiencing these feelings, I hope these suggestions help you. 😇