Why FOMO Controls You & How To Stop It

Why Does Missing Out Feel So Bad?

[{"selector":"#anim-bcc862b7-1470-44ac-857c-f92b5bf64a9c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) isn’t just a feeling—it’s deeply wired into our psychology. Here’s why we experience it and how to handle it.

The Brain Craves Social Connection

[{"selector":"#anim-12bcce6a-31a7-4e8f-b32a-d30954a31cee [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Humans are wired to belong. Seeing others having fun triggers a fear of exclusion.

Social Media Intensifies FOMO

[{"selector":"#anim-dd00ee8f-0a2a-490c-8846-b6b6435e5fc8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Curated posts of exciting events make us feel like we’re the only ones missing out.

The Dopamine Effect

[{"selector":"#anim-04c93c22-caf0-4782-9f8e-c510d6aed48f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Notifications, likes, and updates give us a dopamine rush, making us crave more engagement.

Decision Paralysis & Regret

[{"selector":"#anim-e57d708e-ec44-46cf-a43e-18965af73621 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The fear of making the “wrong choice” leads to stress and dissatisfaction with what we do pick. .

The Comparison Trap

[{"selector":"#anim-cc947d93-4cc5-42fe-ba22-df2a92070be2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Constantly seeing others’ highlight reels makes us feel our own experiences are inadequate. .

How To Overcome FOMO

[{"selector":"#anim-64c2de91-1322-4bad-b903-74bfe4a32174 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] – Limit social media use – Focus on gratitude – Plan experiences that matter to you – Remember: Online life ≠ real life .

Breaking Free From Self-Sabotage.