What does 'FOMO' stand for?

“What does ‘FOMO’ stand for?” — It stands for “Fear Of Missing Out.” The term describes anxiety that other people are enjoying valuable experiences, information, opportunities, or social connections while you are absent. It often creates an urge to stay constantly connected and informed.

Patrick J. McGinnis popularized the initialism in a 2004 Harvard Business School student newspaper article, though marketing strategist Dan Herman had used the full phrase in business writing around 2000. Social media helped spread FOMO because users see a continuous stream of other people’s carefully selected activities.

FOMO is not limited to parties or social networks. It can influence investing, business decisions, shopping, and video games, where limited-time events or digital items may make players feel they must participate immediately. A common mix-up is “FOBO,” or “Fear Of a Better Option,” which McGinnis introduced alongside FOMO. “JOMO,” the Joy Of Missing Out, is its frequently mentioned opposite.