From FOMO to JOMO
Ever experienced FOMO – the Fear Of Missing Out?
The term isn’t new, coined by the marketeer Dan Herman in the ’90s. But it’s in more common usage today as we are bombarded with opportunities.
On one level we ought to be able to deal with it, but we are facing compelling marketing tactics.
It can feel like others are moving forward, and we’re being left behind.
But let’s move beyond just feelings; the evidence shows FOMO can:
- Negatively influence how we view ourselves. [1]
- Lead to decreased self-esteem and self-dissatisfaction. [2] [3]
- Particularly impact those compelled to stay connected. [3]
- Invoke anxiety, depression, and lower conscientiousness. [4]
- Fuel problematic social media use. [5] [6]
- Lead to irrational decisions influenced by speculative fads [7]
- And, in people development, it can derail learning by pulling attention away from growth priorities toward less important activities. [8]
So, FOMO can insidiously undermine our well-being and effectiveness.
But there’s a simple antidote; CLARITY!
When we’re clear and ruthless about our “yes,” saying “no” gets easier and guilt-free.
Recently, I was personally tagged for a “must-attend” event; smart speakers, a smart venue, a smart agenda! It played to my ego; a huge driver behind FOMO.
I was tempted. The marketing was persuasive, and I’m sure others will have a great time. But I engaged my rational brain and reminded myself what really matters. I deliberately “time boxed” wins in my diary for that day and it felt good!
Overcoming FOMO is about trusting our choice, not what others may be doing.
If we do, we’ll be calmer and have more clarity and clout.
So, it’s time to embrace JOMO – the Joy Of Missing Out!
Joy? Yes, in being laser-focused on our impact.
Because in the end, we’re not missing out – we are opting in to what REALLY matters.
References
[1] Doğan, V. (2019). Why Do People Experience the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO)? Exposing the Link Between the Self and the FoMO Through Self-Construal. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50, 524 – 538.
[2] Buglass, S., Binder, J., Betts, L., & Underwood, J. (2017). Motivators of online vulnerability: The impact of social network site use and FOMO. Comput. Hum. Behav., 66, 248-255.
[3] Azzaki, F., Hasanah, U., & Nur, S. (2024). Analisis Perilaku Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) di Instagram dalam Perspektif Hadis. Ta’wiluna: Jurnal Ilmu Al-Qur’an, Tafsir dan Pemikiran Islam.
[4] Hodkinson, C. (2019). ‘Fear of Missing Out’ (FOMO) marketing appeals: A conceptual model. Journal of Marketing Communications, 25, 65 – 88.
[5] Elhai, J., Levine, J., Alghraibeh, A., Alafnan, A., Aldraiweesh, A., & Hall, B. (2018). Fear of missing out: Testing relationships with negative affectivity, online social engagement, and problematic smartphone use. Comput. Hum. Behav., 89, 289-298.
[6] Holte, A., & Ferraro, F. (2020). Anxious, bored, and (maybe) missing out: Evaluation of anxiety attachment, boredom proneness, and fear of missing out (FoMO). Comput. Hum. Behav., 112, 106465.
[7] Ivantchev, B., & Ivantcheva, M. (2024). FOMO effect: social media and online traders. Journal of Management and Financial Sciences.
[8] Alt, D. (2015). College students’ academic motivation, media engagement and fear of missing out. Comput. Hum. Behav., 49, 111-119.
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Mark Reilly, Head of Learning Content Design, Global Learning and Development, McDonald’s Global Franchising Ltd.
Gavin McQuillan, Head of Learning and Development, RBS
