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    4. The Psychology of FoMO

    enJuly 24, 2021
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    Podcast Summary

    • Uncovering the Roots of FOMO in the Age of Social MediaFOMO has been around for a long time, but the rise of social media has exacerbated it, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt.

      FOMO, or fear of missing out, is a feeling of anxiety that an exciting event may be happening elsewhere and you are not included.It often arises from posts on social media.It has links to social anxiety and is particularly prevalent in our 20s, when we are surrounded by dense and varied social groups.Social media has made FOMO worse by constantly confronting us with experiences we may be missing out on.It is normal to want to be included in social experiences, but FOMO can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt.The feeling of FOMO has been around for a long time, but it has become more prevalent with the rise of social media.

    • Feeling Left Out? Understanding FOMOFOMO is a feeling of missing out on something better than what you have, which can be linked to social anxiety and is distinct yet overlapping.

      FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is a feeling that you are missing out on something that your peers are doing or have that is better than what you have.A study found that nearly three-quarters of young adults have experienced this feeling.It can be linked to social anxiety, where you feel self-conscious and out of place in social situations.This fear can also contribute to feeling anxious about future social events.FOMO is not included in the manual of mental health disorders, but it is related to social anxiety.It's important to note that FOMO and social anxiety are distinct but can overlap.

    • Exploring the Link Between Social Anxiety and FOMOSocial anxiety and FOMO are linked and rooted in insecurity, unhappiness, and low self-esteem, highlighting the importance of self-care and building positive relationships.

      Social anxiety is when someone has a fear of being in social situations and can't get out of them.FOMO, or the fear of missing out, can also contribute to social anxiety.Social anxiety is a serious disorder where a person has an intense fear of being judged or rejected by others.FOMO is not a diagnosable disorder, but it is a fear of not being present in social situations.Both FOMO and social anxiety are related to relationships and social interactions.Studies show that FOMO is rooted in insecurity, unhappiness, and low self-esteem.People with FOMO tend to be more affected by losses than gains and it is linked to an evolutionary perspective.

    • Are Social Media Making Us Feel Insecure and Insignificant?Social media can both connect us with people all over the world and exacerbate feelings of insecurity and insignificance for those who are already prone to the fear of missing out.

      We are naturally inclined to be around others and be part of a group because of our survival instincts.This is why missing out on social events can be stressful for some people.Our brains are wired to want social interaction and a sense of belonging.Social media has made it easier for us to connect with people all over the world and share our experiences, but it can also make us feel like we are missing out on things.When we see others on social media having fun, it can make us feel regretful and insignificant.Social media can exacerbate feelings of insecurity and insignificance for those who are already prone to the fear of missing out.

    • Are Social Media Use and Feeling Left Out Related?Social media can act as a trigger for feelings of missing out, creating a cycle that can lead to dependency and mental health issues.

      There is a connection between social media and feeling left out.Social media can act as a trigger for feelings of missing out, but it can also be the reason why people check social media in the first place.This creates a cycle where people feel left out and then check social media to see if they are missing out on something, which can lead to more feelings of missing out.Studies have shown that young adults are more likely to feel left out and check social media frequently.This can lead to a dependency on social media and can affect people's mental health.Even though we know that social media is not an accurate representation of people's lives, it is hard to not compare ourselves to others and this can lead to depression and unhappiness.

    • Overcoming the Fear of Missing OutFocusing on the present moment, limiting social media use, and surrounding yourself with people you value can help you to overcome FOMO.

      Feeling like you're missing out on something, or FOMO, is a common feeling among young adults.It's often caused by social media, where people only show their best moments and make it seem like they're always having fun.This can make you feel inadequate and anxious.To overcome FOMO, it's important to focus on the present moment and the people you're with.Limit your use of social media and pay attention to the positive feelings you have when you're with people you enjoy.Remember that others also have FOMO and no one is having more fun than you.If you're surrounded by people you value, it will be harder for FOMO to come up.

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