Technical jargon: What does "Fomo" actually mean?

No one would probably publicly admit to suffering from it, but we all do in some way. Whether digital native or digital immigrant. "Fomo" means "fear of missing out" - or the fear of missing out on something. With the advent of social media, this phenomenon has suddenly moved into the spotlight, but most people have ignored it because it doesn't seem to affect them. But since cell phones have started to show you how much and what you've used them for in the last seven days, it might be worth pausing for a moment and asking yourself, "Why do I have this?" And that's regardless of how old you are. 

Numerous studies are currently investigating the influence of social media on people's perceptions, with the aim of shedding light on the subject. Media researchers assume that the algos of Facebook, Twitter and Co. confirm personal attitudes more than they challenge them. Psychological studies even see a direct connection between Facebook use and emotional well-being: The more often the medium is used, the more dissatisfied people become with their real lives.

Anyone who travels in or works for large corporations has certainly encountered Fomo in the analog world. How often have you asked yourself "Do I have to be at this meeting"? If you ask yourself the question during the meeting, you realize the problem, but unfortunately too late. Those who ask themselves the question beforehand, and answer with no, may have a problem afterwards. Statements such as "We discussed this in such and such a meeting" are stressful, and many people therefore tend to attend a meeting once too often rather than once too little. 

If you think you're wasting too much time on meetings where you don't need to be there, or scrolling endlessly looking for that one post that everyone will talk about, you should ask yourself if your fear is really justified. Perhaps an old remedy from childhood will help against this: whistle at it when you feel afraid.