FOMO and the psychological impact of social media anxiety

FOMO, or the ‘Fear of Missing Out,’ is described as a state of anxiety or worry driven by the fear of missing events, conversations, or plans, particularly within social media environments. To counteract this, experts suggest practicing JOMO, the ‘Joy of Missing Out,’ which emphasizes finding satisfaction in disconnecting from digital demands to focus on the present moment.

Strategies to manage FOMO include setting daily screen time limits for apps like Instagram and TikTok, silencing non-urgent notifications, and performing digital detoxes during specific times, such as meals or before sleep. Strengthening self-esteem is also noted as vital, as social media often presents an idealized and filtered version of reality rather than daily life.

A documentary series exploring this phenomenon follows students at Liceo Colonna in Rome throughout their final school year. The project examines how the fear of being forgotten or excluded manifests in young people through obsessive phone use and the pressure to maintain a perfect digital image.