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Nina Wu
S13120118
Carol Tsai
Composition 3
7 Jun. 2025
Fear of Missing Out
Fear of missing out is a feeling of anxiety that others might be having more fun or
experiencing things better without you. In today’s society, with the rise of social media,
people are increasingly following mass trends and reflecting on them, which can lead to
significant anxiety. In order to better manage the emotional and psychological impact of
FOMO, it is important to understand its main causes: the rise of social media, the pressure to
keep up with the Joneses, and the desire for social connection.
Firstly, a major cause of FOMO is the rise of social media. Platforms such as Instagram
and TikTok constantly present users with photos and videos of people attending events,
traveling, or enjoying amazing experiences. This gives the feeling that others are living more
fulfilling lives, which can lead to anxiety or dissatisfaction with daily life. As a result, many
people feel pressure to keep up with the trends to avoid being left behind. Additionally, social
media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by constantly showing similar content,
which can exacerbate FOMO.
Secondly, another important cause of FOMO is that people subconsciously compare
themselves to others, especially on social media. As people scroll through carefully edited
posts and highlights, they often begin to question whether their lives are successful or
meaningful. These comparisons tend to focus on what a person lacks, such as travel or
achievements, rather than appreciating what they already have. Over time, this constant
comparison can lead to feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, and anxiety. People may
even begin to believe that they are being left behind or missing out on something important,
even if this belief is unrealistic.
Finally, the desire to stay connected is another key cause of fear of missing out. Many
people worry that if they are not online more frequently, they will miss out on important
conversations, invitations, or popular events. This fear drives people to check messages,
social media notifications, or news updates frequently throughout the day. While this habit
may seem harmless, it actually increases stress and makes it more difficult for people to focus
on daily tasks. The compulsion to constantly stay connected not only reduces work efficiency,
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but also creates a dependency cycle: people feel anxious when they are offline or cannot
immediately understand what others are doing.
In summary, FOMO is a common emotional problem in today's society, and its main
causes are the influence of social media, the tendency to compare with others, and the strong
desire to be social. These factors can lead to stress, anxiety, and lack of satisfaction in daily
life. Therefore, it is important for people to be more aware of these causes in order to manage
FOMO in a healthier way. By focusing more on real-life experiences, expressing gratitude,
and setting boundaries with social media, people can reduce the negative effects of FOMO
and enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling life.
