Adolescent emotional development is characterized by increasing social awareness and sensitivity to others' emotions, which can make them feel more vulnerable to rejection or exclusion from their peers. As a result, they may be particularly prone to experiencing "Fear Of Missing Out" (FOMO) - the anxiety associated with being left out of an event or experience that others are enjoying.
Research suggests that adolescents tend to fear missing out emotionally more than socially because of their developing sense of self-awareness and desire for intimate connections.
Emotional Development
During adolescence, young people undergo significant changes in how they perceive and regulate their own emotions, as well as those of others. This includes an increased capacity for empathy and emotional understanding, which allows them to recognize and respond to others' feelings more accurately. At the same time, they become more aware of their own emotional state and its impact on relationships, leading to heightened sensitivity to both positive and negative experiences.
This heightened emotional awareness can create an intense need for connection and validation, especially during times of social transition or uncertainty. Adolescents may feel particularly vulnerable when they perceive themselves as disconnected from their peers or unable to share common interests or experiences. As a result, they may fear missing out on opportunities for emotional connection and support, even if they do not feel strongly connected to the group itself.
Fear Of Missing Out
The term FOMO was first coined by Dan Herman and his colleagues in 2013, who defined it as "a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent." It has since been linked to various negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. While FOMO can manifest in many forms, research suggests that adolescents are particularly prone to feeling left out emotionally rather than socially.
Social vs Emotional FOMO
One study found that adolescents were twice as likely to report emotional FOMO (eFOMO) compared to social FOMO (sFOMO), with eFOMO being associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another study showed that adolescent girls reported higher levels of sFOMO but similar levels of eFOMO as boys, suggesting that gender differences may play a role in how young people experience this phenomenon.
These findings suggest that adolescents tend to experience more emotional FOMO due to their increasing awareness of their own emotions and needs for connection. They may also feel more vulnerable to rejection or exclusion because of their heightened sensitivity to others' feelings. As such, they may prioritize emotional intimacy over social interactions and fear missing out on opportunities for deepening relationships.
Strategies for Managing FOMO
There are several strategies that adolescents and adults alike can use to manage FOMO and improve their overall wellbeing. These include:
1. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude - Taking time to reflect on one's own positive experiences and appreciation for what they have can help counteract the urge to compare oneself to others.
2. Seeking support from trusted friends and family members - Having strong connections with those who understand and validate our emotions can provide us with a sense of belonging and comfort when we feel left out.
3. Engaging in activities that promote self-esteem and self-worth - Participating in hobbies, volunteering, or other meaningful pursuits can boost confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
4. Limiting social media usage - Constantly comparing ourselves to others online can contribute to FOMO and negatively impact mental health.
5. Setting boundaries around technology use - Establishing clear rules about when and how much to use devices can help reduce distractions and increase focus on real-life experiences.
6. Connecting with nature - Spending time outside has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, as well as increased creativity and productivity.
By using these strategies, young people can learn to navigate the challenges of adolescent development and maintain healthy levels of connection and validation while also prioritizing their own needs and interests.
Why do adolescents fear missing out emotionally more than missing out socially?
Adolescent development is marked by rapid physical growth and changes, but also an intense desire for peer acceptance and social validation. Therefore, they are especially sensitive to any perceived rejection from peers that might affect their self-esteem and identity. Adolescence is often characterized by increased individuality and autonomy, leading many teens to form close bonds with friends who share similar interests and values.