meaning of fomo

An acronym for "Fear Of Missing Out," referring to a pervasive apprehension that one might miss out on rewarding experiences that others are having, especially as facilitated by social media. It is often characterized by a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing.

She couldn't relax on vacation because of her intense FOMO, constantly checking social media to see what her friends were doing.

The company hoped to create FOMO around their new product launch by offering limited-time discounts.

Synonyms: fear of missing out, social anxiety (in some contexts), apprehension

Antonyms: JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out)

Etymology: An acronym derived from the phrase "Fear Of Missing Out," first widely used in the early 2000s, particularly in relation to the rise of social media and constant connectivity.

Cultural Notes: FOMO is a significant cultural phenomenon in modern society, heavily amplified by the prevalence of social media platforms. The constant stream of updates from friends and acquaintances showcasing their seemingly perfect lives, travel, and social events can trigger feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and a compulsive need to participate. It often leads to overcommitment, distraction, and a diminished ability to enjoy present experiences. The concept of JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) emerged as a counter-cultural response, promoting the idea of finding contentment in one's current situation and disconnecting from the pressure of constant social engagement.

Common Phrases: to have FOMO, to feel FOMO, to experience FOMO, to get FOMO, to cause FOMO

Word Frequency: very_common

Category: culture

Language: English

Pronunciation: /ˈfoʊmoʊ/