Teens hooked on social media aren't the only ones grappling with the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). A recent Washington State University study reveals that factors like loneliness, low self-esteem, and limited self-compassion—not age—drive this anxiety about others enjoying life without you.
"FoMO isn't inherently a youth issue. It's tied to individual differences across all ages," explains Chris Barry, WSU psychology professor and lead author. "We anticipated higher levels among younger groups due to social development, but the data showed otherwise."
Barry and co-author Megan Wong surveyed over 400 U.S. participants aged 14 to 47, assessing self-perception, life satisfaction, and social media habits.
Social media use alone didn't predict FoMO. Two people with similar screen time might react differently: one shrugs off friends' posts, while the other feels distressed.
"Not everyone is equally vulnerable, but for those who are, social media amplifies it by showcasing others' lives," Barry notes. "If you're prone to FoMO, those glimpses can sting."
For relief, Barry recommends reducing or pausing social media. The study also found a silver lining: FoMO doesn't correlate with overall life satisfaction, suggesting it's manageable, not debilitating.
To combat FoMO, target negative self-views: build self-compassion by viewing setbacks as growth opportunities, combat loneliness, and refocus from others' highlights.
"Addressing FoMO fosters genuine connections and presence, easing isolation," Barry advises. "Stay in the moment, not fixated on what's elsewhere."
