The Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO, is a fairly new phenomenon introduced to the world. It is gradually increasing amongst women, particularly those from the Gen Z age group. According to independent researcher Kashif Hafeez from Pulse Consultancy, women experiencing FOMO has increased significantly over recent years. The percentage rose sharply from 2% in 2018 to 26% in 2023. This surge seems to be directly linked to continuous social media use. On these platforms, unattainable lifestyles, perfect lives and missed opportunities are highlighted constantly.
These factors contribute to the growing prevalence of FOMO among women. This raises questions about its impact on mental health and social behaviour. As a result, this has become a pressing issue for psychologists and researchers. FOMO refers to anxiety and unease people feel when they believe others are being rewarded experiences without them there to experience it too. This stems from the basic human tendency to compare what they have. In this case, they idealise the moments of others. While this feeling is not fairly new, it is more prevalent in Gen Z because they are immersed in digital platforms.
Why There Is A Surge of FOMO Among Pakistani Women
The rise of FOMO, particularly in Gen Z women, is linked to several factors. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up with social media influence. Young women are constantly exposed to fake depictions of people’s lives on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Since social media personalities exaggeratedly present their daily life, others feel insecure about their own. They feel as though theirs is boring.
Gen Z women are more likely to internalise social comparison. As a result of growing up around the internet, they often measure their self-worth in likes and comments. This happens in all areas of life, such as fashion, friendships, and/or achievements. Their desire to keep up and remain relevant creates anxiety. This turns into FOMO. This makes it difficult to differentiate between genuine connections and the pressure to be socially relevant.
Social media plays an integral role in the growth of FOMO. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook make room for a lot of competition and comparison. Influencers and celebrities post highlight reels of their lives, showing fancy versions of success, beauty, and happiness. Most of which is fake, edited, or exaggerated. This can be harmful for young women who believe that it is real. These images can create unrealistic standards and a constant need to match up.
All social media users often feel compelled to stay connected and aware of every trend. If someone posts about an event, trip, or achievement, it can trigger the feeling of being left behind. Or it can make one feel as though they don’t have enough, leading to a constant sense of ungratefulness. This further deteriorates individuals’ mental health. The feeling of FOMO is worsened by our habit of constantly scrolling. When scrolling, users are exposed to hundreds of images and updates daily, making it easy to feel overwhelmed.
FOMO’s Global Impact: From the West to Pakistan
While FOMO has roots in Western culture, it has spread globally, reaching countries like Pakistan. As internet access and smartphone use have increased in Pakistan, younger generations are becoming more involved in social media platforms. Western trends, pop culture, and online communities have led to young Pakistani women following in their footsteps.
In Pakistan, FOMO looks a bit different than in Western countries. Young women often find themselves choosing between traditional family expectations and fitting in with the global standards. They want to keep up with the lifestyles they see online, but at the same time, they’re held back because of the pressures that exist within society. These constant decisions can make them feel like they’re missing out or not measuring up, leading to a sense of isolation and insecurity.
The effects of FOMO can be quite disastrous for your health. A constant state of anxiety can lead to depression and low self-esteem. The constant fear of being left behind can lead to mental exhaustion and burnout for women. It is distracting and can affect attention spans negatively.
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Coping With The Fear Of Missing Out
According to research from Pulse Consultancy, FOMO in young women has increased drastically over the past few years. In 2018, only 2% of women reported experiencing FOMO regularly. By 2023, this figure jumped to 26%, with an even higher prevalence in women under 25. This increase corresponds with the increasing use of digital communication and the impact of influencer culture, where women feel pressure to follow trends, lifestyles, and behaviours showcased online.
An increasingly interconnected world has made FOMO rise significantly, especially among Gen Z women. Though its impact is global, it affects places such as Pakistan differently. Here, women feel a more unique challenge than just FOMO. They face the struggle to balance completely different expectations. To reduce its effects, it is important to remember that sense of self-worth should not rely on comparison.
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