Fear of Missing Out

1. Fear of Missing Out Dr. SushmaKirtani D.Ch, M.D.,D.N.B., PGD- AP Pediatrician and Adolescent Physician, Goa

2. FoMOis defined as the pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent and characterised it by the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing. What is FoMO?

3. Causes of FoMO • Developmental characteristics of late adolescents/young adulthood • Easy internet access • Interpersonal anxiety • Neuroticism • Internet addiction which later leads to FoMO • Advances in social media technology

4. FoMO Facts • FoMO is a driving force behind social media use. • FoMO levels are highest in young people and young men in particular. • FoMO levels are influenced by social circumstances; Low levels of need satisfaction and life satisfaction are linked to high FoMO. • FoMO is associated with having ambivalent emotions about social media. • FoMO is high in those who engage in distracted driving. • FoMO is high in students who use social media during classes

5. Driving Factors behind FoMO • Transparency of people’s online activities • Digital natives • Social “one-upmanship” • Fast sharing of information • Dissatisfaction with monotonous lifestyles • Present-day life is in overdrive

6. Clinical Findings • Constant urge to stay updated • Impulsive behaviour to check social apps while driving • Withdrawal in absence of networking • Perceived low social rank which can cause anxiety and inferiority complex • High chances of depression, withdrawal • Social insecurity and feelings of social phobia • Irrational thinking • Irritability • Difficult interpersonal skills with family and friends • Disturbed sleep patterns due to long hours spent online • Maintaining low profile • Obsessive compulsive behaviour

7. D/D Young’s criteria for internet addiction (1996,2004): • Preoccupation with the internet • Desiring more time for internet surfing • Feeling negative emotions when not using the internet • Staying online longer than intended • Jeopardizing one’s career, relationships for internet use • Hiding the actual amount of internet use from others • Using internet to escape real life problems D/Dof FoMO are: • Internet addiction • Problematic Internet Use (PIU) • Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PMPU)

8. FoMO Scale • The FoMO scale, as described by Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioural correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behaviour, 29, 1814-1848. • The FoMO-S is the first and only empirically validated psychometric instrument to measure the FoMO phenomenon.

9. FoMO Quiz • The FoMO Quiz is another measure to rate an individual’s level of FoMO. • This survey is also developed by Andrew Przybylski • The results are provided graphically as a curve of FoMO level v/s population distribution.

10. Effects of FoMO Psychological effects • Anxiety • Depression • Mood swings • Impairment of interpersonal communication • ADHD • Loss of productivity at school • Vulnerability to cyber harassment Physical effects • Carpal Tunnel syndrome • Dry strained eyes • Backache • Neck pains • Severe headache • Pronounced weight gain/ weight loss • Disrupted sleeping pattern

11. Treatment and Counselling • Individual therapy • Group therapy • Family counselling • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) • Addiction counselling

12. How to Avoid FoMO? • Indulge in more outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking and sports. • Use your free time to read books rather than people’s posts and comments • Dedicate family time regularly e.g. an hour or so every week

13. THANK YOU