Maladaptive Behavior as a Contributor to Fear of Missing Out
Although fear of missing out (FoMO) is not a diagnosable condition, the term is commonly used to describe thoughts of missing out on rewarding experiences in comparison to peers around you. Originating from Patrick McGinnis’s quoting of FoMO in his Harbus article in 2004, it has now become a commonly used phrase. In 18 to 34 year olds, it presents with symptoms such as sleep deprivation, emotional distress, and neglect of physical well-being. In the age of technology and social media, people tend to experience FoMO by comparing their own lives to the ideal image of others’ online presence.
The second significant part of FoMO is behaving compulsively to maintain desired social connections. According to The Psychology Behind The Fear of Missing Out by Forbes, feelings of needing to belong can lead to overscheduling or adapting behaviors so that people can receive approval from the community. In a research study by Southern Connecticut State University, a survey was used to compare the connection between feelings of FoMO and maladaptive behaviors, which were defined as alcohol and drug use, academic misconduct, and illegal behavior. The data was collected using a cross-sectional survey of four hundred and seventy two undergraduate participants from 18 to 24 years of age. FoMO was measured using Pryzbylski et al.’s 10-item Fear of Missing Out scale and the participants’ self-reported responses. The maladaptive behavior was then measured using two separate questionnaires with one focusing on drinking and drug use while the other focused on unethical and illegal behaviors. After comparing these results with factors such as living situation (residing in residence halls compared to off-campus apartments or living with parents), socioeconomic status, and gender, the survey reflected a positive correlation between FoMO and forms of maladaptive behavior.
The second significant part of FoMO is behaving compulsively to maintain desired social connections. According to The Psychology Behind The Fear of Missing Out by Forbes, feelings of needing to belong can lead to overscheduling or adapting behaviors so that people can receive approval from the community. In a research study by Southern Connecticut State University, a survey was used to compare the connection between feelings of FoMO and maladaptive behaviors, which were defined as alcohol and drug use, academic misconduct, and illegal behavior. The data was collected using a cross-sectional survey of four hundred and seventy two undergraduate participants from 18 to 24 years of age. FoMO was measured using Pryzbylski et al.’s 10-item Fear of Missing Out scale and the participants’ self-reported responses. The maladaptive behavior was then measured using two separate questionnaires with one focusing on drinking and drug use while the other focused on unethical and illegal behaviors. After comparing these results with factors such as living situation (residing in residence halls compared to off-campus apartments or living with parents), socioeconomic status, and gender, the survey reflected a positive correlation between FoMO and forms of maladaptive behavior.
According to Eventbrite, in 2018, 7 in 10 millennials experience FoMO. Some reported symptoms include envy, jealousy, or sadness and disappointment. In addition, those in countries that are heavily intertwined with social media such as Latin America experience higher levels of FoMO.
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In the end, the researchers found an association between high weekly alcohol consumption and high levels of FoMO in males, especially those who live off-campus or in residence halls without parental supervision. Similarly, depressant usage was higher for males with high levels of FoMO but was independent of living situation. Higher levels of FoMO also resulted in higher levels of stimulant usage and illegal sale of prescription drugs. Therefore, the study concludes that drugs, alcohol, academic misconduct, and illegal behavior are predictive values for levels of FoMO.
As FoMO becomes a larger part of our society with advancing technology, it is important to recognize the effects that FoMO can have on our decisions. Fear of missing out may lead to unnecessary and greater involvement in unhealthy behaviors. Not to mention, FoMO negatively impacts your mental health and ability to handle emotions. One potential way to combat FoMO is practicing an abundance mindset– show gratitude for the things that you already have. By being knowledgeable of how FoMO can influence choices to participate in maladaptive and risky behaviors, individuals can avoid the negative effects of FoMO.
As FoMO becomes a larger part of our society with advancing technology, it is important to recognize the effects that FoMO can have on our decisions. Fear of missing out may lead to unnecessary and greater involvement in unhealthy behaviors. Not to mention, FoMO negatively impacts your mental health and ability to handle emotions. One potential way to combat FoMO is practicing an abundance mindset– show gratitude for the things that you already have. By being knowledgeable of how FoMO can influence choices to participate in maladaptive and risky behaviors, individuals can avoid the negative effects of FoMO.
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