The modified proposed model: effects of the need to belong, social media use,perceivedcentrality, and fear of social exclusion onFOMO.
Unlike the fear of heights or snakes,FoMOdoesn't stem from a physical threat. It arises from aperceivedsocial threat, feeling just as real to the brain1. Psychologically,FoMOcan show up in a variety of ways: it may come and go briefly, become a long-term mindset, or even create deeper feelings of social inferiority or loneliness (1).
The findings revealed that participants experiencedFoMOas involving feelings of exclusion, disconnection, and inadequacy upon becoming aware of experiences peers were having. However,FoMOwas alsoperceivedas an important signal of unmet needs, prompting reflection on the misalignment between one's actual life and desired life.
Finally,perceivedscarcity amplifiesFOMO. Limited-time offers, exclusive events, or "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities create the illusion that these experiences are rare, intensifying the pressure to participate or risk feeling regret.
In this research, we propose a novel, situational antecedent ofFOMOandexplore the resulting cognitions about the social consequences of missing out. We show thatFOMOis triggered by the perception of missed bonding among a valued social groupand, subsequently, exaggerated concerns about negative consequences for one's social relationships.
This particular example perfectly highlights why Perceived Freedom And Fomo is so captivating.
FOMOis the perception that others are living more fulfilling lives or having more fun, and it has gained attention with the rise of activity on social media platforms. As many as 69% of Americans have experienced a fear of missing out at some point in their lives, according to a study by OnePoll.
