Istanbul Gelisim University - The virtual version of addiction: FoMO!

The virtual version of addiction: FoMO!

The use of social media has evolved into a component that is influencing and ruling our lives day by day. Prof. Dr. Ekrem Cüneyt Evren, speaking about the virtual world disease FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), which originates from the fear that others can have more fulfilling lives than them, indicated that this condition affects general life satisfaction.

Individuals in today's world spend the majority of their time on social media, following popular topics, updating their own "status," and communicating with those of their friends. This constant updating and monitoring behavior, along with the fear of missing out, has given rise to a new concept known as FoMO (Fear of Missing Out).

THE DESIRE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING

"The inability of users to update with new content on their own accounts on social networks and interact with what their friends are doing seriously disturbs individuals with FoMO," Prof. Dr. Ekrem Cüneyt Evren, from Istanbul Gelisim University, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology remarked, defining FoMO as the individual's anxiety about missing out on rewarding experiences in social networks. Apart from the time they spend on social media, these people stated that they are always lonely in their lives. They strive to fill the void left by the lack of love and compassion in their everyday life. Hence, participating in social networks can be particularly attractive for those with FoMO.” These people may be in "desire to stay in touch with what others are doing", asked the question to themselves, "do they have fun without me?’’. He further stated that among the variables associated with FoMO, these includes;

Social media addiction,
Stress experienced while using social networking sites,
Cell phone use while driving,
Social media fatigue,
Decreased self-esteem,
Poor sleep,
Cell phone use while learning,
Non-compliance with university education,
Smartphone addiction,
Depression and anxiety

MEN AT HIGHER RISK

FoMO is considered to be the primary force behind the rise in social networking usage. According to Evren, the rate of FoMO is higher in young people, particularly young men, who prefer to use social networks excessively, causing them to become more isolated persons from society and intensifying their loneliness by preferring face-to-face interactions.