Fear of missing out (FOMO): overview, theoretical underpinnings, and literature review on relations with severity of negative affectivity and problematic technology use

Abstract

This article discusses the fear of missing out (FOMO) on rewarding experiences, an important psychological construct in contemporary times. We present an overview of the FOMO construct and its operational definition and measurement. Then, we review recent empirical research on FOMO’s relationship with levels of online social engagement, problematic technology and internet communication use, negative affectivity, and sociodemographic variables. Additionally, we discuss theoretical conceptualizations regarding possible causes of FOMO and how FOMO may drive problematic internet technology use. Finally, we discuss future directions for the empirical study of FOMO.

Mind over Matter: Testing the Efficacy of an Online Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Distraction from Smartphone Use

“…Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Nomophobia (NoMO) . FoMO—the fear of being excluded from rewarding social experiences – and NoMO – the fear of no access to a mobile device—have both been evidenced in the smartphone literature as triggering a need to be in constant contact and reinforcing use [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Therefore, FoMO could be a main driver of distraction due to the propensity to be present in the positive experiences others are having, depicted in online content.…”

“…Therefore, FoMO could be a main driver of distraction due to the propensity to be present in the positive experiences others are having, depicted in online content. FoMO has been associated with depression, smartphone addiction, anxiety, mindfulness and wellbeing [ 63 ], negative affectivity, problematic smartphone use, and levels of online social engagement [ 60 ].…”

Problematic Smartphone Use in Spanish and Italian University Students

“…Despite the unlimited potential offered by ICT in general and mobile technology devices in particular, the truth is that the smartphone can also be harmful and bad for the health of the user when its use is abusive and excessive [19]. In fact, a number of terms have been coined in scientific literature to refer to this set of damaging behaviours: technostress [20]; smombie [21]; phubbing [22]; fear of missing out (FOMO) [23]; and nomophobia [24]. The last of these-an abbreviation of the expression "NO MObile PHone phobia"-refers to the fear or anxiety provoked by being without a mobile phone for a period of time, which can elicit responses of a physical, physiological, and social nature [23,[25][26][27][28].…”

“…In fact, a number of terms have been coined in scientific literature to refer to this set of damaging behaviours: technostress [20]; smombie [21]; phubbing [22]; fear of missing out (FOMO) [23]; and nomophobia [24]. The last of these-an abbreviation of the expression "NO MObile PHone phobia"-refers to the fear or anxiety provoked by being without a mobile phone for a period of time, which can elicit responses of a physical, physiological, and social nature [23,[25][26][27][28]. In these cases, it often happens that the subject passes through four stages of increasing intensity: fear of being unable to communicate, fear of losing their connection, fear of being unable to access information, and fear of not having their phone to hand [29].…”

Features shared between fear of missing out on rewarding experiences (FOMO) and internet gaming disorder

“…However, abundant evidence in the literature indicates that excessive use of social networking sites and messaging services also produces a negative impact on affected subjects. 2 The fear of missing out (FOMO) on rewarding experiences, both real and virtual, is described as a desire to be permanently connected with what other people are doing. It is a central concept in the study of problematic Internet use.…”