Why Do We Experience FOMO?

Seeking out instant gratification can trigger FOMO. Reaching true contentment, meanwhile, can take plenty of effort — particularly for those who have faced significant trauma. We look for instant gratification because we are trying to avoid discomfort of any kind.

We are often taught that this is an acceptable or viable approach as children, but instant gratification that involves distracting or numbing ourselves to our discomfort in the moment can have significant consequences like addiction and dependence.

When FOMO involves distressing emotions, the stress and limbic systems are activated — namely, the amygdala and the hypothalamus.  Social exclusion itself profoundly activates the amygdala and hypothalamus; they are one of the most robust stressors we experience.

Our brains may pull memory files that resurface the painful psychological responses we experienced after missing out on activities we considered pleasurable. This distress modifies the memory system and creates negative memories and emotional states, a process that involves the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. 

While FOMO is usually viewed as harmful, could it ever be considered a good thing? It depends on what you do with it.

The feeling can even serve as a powerful motivator when people start listening to it thoughtfully and map out the approach to realistically achieve their goals.

• You can even view FOMO as a source of ideas and inspiration.
• Your core impulse is centered on improving your condition when you feel FOMO.
• Fundamentally, FOMO is aspirational in nature, rooted in a search for whatever’s bigger, better and brighter than your current surroundings.