Dr Voyer cited in October's issue of Psychologies magazine

05/09/2011

Are You 'On' 24/7?
Psychologies Magazine takes a look at FOMO - 'The Fear Of Missing Out'

I'll admit it. Sometimes I stay out with friends longer than I really want to, because I don't want something exciting to happen when I'm not there. I've been known to watch films I don't care for, too, simply so I'm not left out of conversations about them. And occasionally I'll spend entire evenings checking emails/Twitter/Facebook because I'm desperate to see what's going on elsewhere, rather than paying attention to what's going on right in front of me. It seems I might be suffering from FOMO.

‘The fear of missing out – FOMO – is a type of anxiety, a sort of anticipatory regret,’ explains psychologist Dr Rebecca McGuire-Snieckus. ‘It’s brought on by being aware of so many alternatives, by seeing other things that you could be doing, or having, or being.’

Strictly speaking, it’s not a new phenomenon. Rather, says Psychologies psychotherapy columnist Philippa Perry, ‘it is a modern take on the grass being greener on the other side.’ But experts do agree that the syndrome has been exacerbated by the internet. There’s no doubt that some of us will be more affected than others. Benjamin Voyer... explains: ‘Fear of missing out is first and foremost a fear of social exclusion. When you are at the top, when you have power, you are not so concerned about it. You are the reference, and people come and see you.’ Teenagers, he says, are more susceptible. ‘The period of life when you turn 12 or 13 is... [read the full article on the Psychologies Magazine website].

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Dr Benjamin Voyer received a PhD in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and followed doctoral courses in marketing at HEC Paris and the London Business School. He is Assistant Professor of Management at Richmond the American International University in London.

Psychologies is the magazine for life curious women that helps you know more, grow more. We cover self, relationships, family, work, beauty and wellbeing, culture, travel, food and more. with contemporary art, contextualising it within the larger cultural framework. For further information, please visit www.psychologies.co.uk.

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