By Ghadeer Ghloum

KUWAIT: FOMO, or fear of missing out, has become a prevalent psychological phenomenon in our fast-paced era, especially with the rise of social media and constant updates on every aspect of people’s lives. It stems from one’s excessive desire to be included and stay up to date, leading to anxiety and uneasiness. To better understand the impact of FOMO in today’s interconnected society, Kuwait Times interviewed sociologist and psychologist Dr Mona Al-Enezi.

Kuwait Times: How does the need for belonging contribute to behaviors driven by FOMO?

Dr Enezi: First, let me explain what FOMO syndrome is and what it means. It refers to the fear of missing out on online events or social media updates, which often leads to continuously monitoring the Internet. This constant monitoring can cause anxiety and depression. It is commonly seen among celebrities and affects their mood.

Kuwait Times: Are individuals who strongly need to feel a sense of belonging more likely to make FOMO-based decisions, such as joining specific social groups or participating in activities to avoid missing out?

Dr Enezi: Humans are social creatures by nature and need supportive communities. However, in the case of FOMO, their decisions are based on this continuous monitoring, leading them to believe that their psychological need for a supportive community is essential and legitimate. The negative aspect is that it causes them constant distress due to their ongoing fear of missing out on something on social media.

Kuwait Times: Can satisfying the need for belonging alleviate FOMO for individuals, or is it a constant struggle for those who strongly need social interaction?

Dr Enezi: Insight into one’s psychological issues helps by a big percentage. Therefore, shedding light on these topics significantly contributes to individuals recognizing their behavior and psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression. It is very important for individuals to understand themselves fully, identifying their needs and how to achieve them in order to overcome any issues related to their psyche.