People experiencing the FOMO syndrome often feel afraid of missing out on something wonderful, such as a social connection, a new experience, a highly profitable investment, or other exciting events. In other words, those affected by this syndrome are constantly afraid that they have made the wrong decision by spending time on one thing rather than another.
What is the FOMO Effect?
Research indicates that FOMO syndrome is often encountered in individuals aged 18 to 33. A survey revealed that around two-thirds of people in this age group confess to frequently experiencing this syndrome. In one way or another, irrespective of different needs and desires, FOMO can manifest in anyone, in any field, regardless of whether you're passionate about gastronomy, travel, shopping, or reading novels.
In the past, humans have always been concerned about their social status. With the emergence of social media, the FOMO effect has become a significant concern, especially among young people who are constantly active online, checking the statuses and posts of friends on social media accounts. When they miss a party, skip a family vacation, or abstain from participating in a school dance, they feel they've missed out on the wonderful experiences that those who attended and posted pictures online had.
Some psychologists also argue that, in reality, the FOMO effect is what drives the success of social media platforms. For example, FOMO motivates individuals to utilize technology to let others know what they're doing and how happy they are doing it. This is unsurprising, as many adolescents define their lives based on what they see online. Observing, critiquing, and admiring others' activities on social media constantly leads them to evaluate their own lives against those posts.
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