The FoMO syndrome: between conceptual bounders, characteristics and manifestations

The Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is a psychological phenomenon increasingly prevalent in the context of digital hyperconnectivity, especially among young adults. This article provides an integrative psychological analysis of FoMO by exploring its conceptual delimitations, psychological characteristics, behavioral manifestations, and its relationship with technology dependency. Defined as a pervasive apprehension that others might be enjoying rewarding experiences from which one is absent, FoMO is not limited to social media contexts but can also manifest in offline settings. The syndrome is associated with emotional vulnerability, anxiety, low self-esteem, and compulsive behaviors such as social media overuse and event over-participation. These patterns reflect maladaptive coping strategies driven by the frustration of fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Moreover, FoMO is identified as a mediating factor in the development of digital addiction, supported by theoretical models like I-PACE and neuropsychological evidence on dopamine-based reward systems. Behavioral consequences include reduced sleep quality, attention fragmentation, and impaired academic or professional performance. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of psychological interventions focused on emotional regulation and promoting the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) as a preventive approach. FoMO is thus presented as a multidimensional challenge requiring nuanced understanding and targeted mental health strategies.