SA in the grip of 'FOMO' addiction

In a recently released Pharma Dynamics survey, conducted among more than 3 000 respondents nationally between the ages of 15 and 50, over 62% said they live in constant fear of missing out. Symptoms include jaw clenching (41%), the inability to remove one's cellphone from one's hand (30%), excessive SMSing (24%), high-pitched questioning (17%), compulsive sweating (18%), tweeting when on the loo (11%), and even showing up at places uninvited (6%).

Mariska Fouche, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says FOMO wreaks havoc with our immune system. "Our modern day obsession with not missing out actually weakens our immune system, raising the odds of catching a cold or flu. We push ourselves to the limit, always wanting to be everywhere and do everything, even when we are ill, which is why it often takes us longer to recover," says Fouche.

Risk of secondary infection

The survey pointed out that even a serious cold or flu won't deter 64% of respondents from going to work and 13% still go to a party or get-together despite feeling sick. She warns that when we push ourselves to such an extent a cold or flu could persist, and not only raises the risk of a secondary infection, but many other illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

"FOMO, in many respects, is what has catapulted the increased demand for over-the-counter colds and flu medication, including immune boosting supplements the world over." Fouche believes that FOMO, at times, even leads otherwise responsible adults to do irresponsible things, such as SMSing while driving, for fear of missing out on the possibility of another social connection.

"More than a third of survey participants said they often interrupt one call to take another, even when they don't know who is on the other line or check their Twitter stream or Facebook page while on a date, because something more interesting might just be happening.

Social media help dealing with FOMO

"Fifty three percent admitted to saying 'yes' when they would rather say 'no' for fear of missing out. It is difficult to say 'no' when we have been programmed to say 'yes' to most things - after all, we never know where 'yes' can lead us. That is why when we miss a party or a social event, we sometimes feel a little less important than those who did go," she says.

By the same token, the Pharma Dynamics survey also revealed that social media plays an important role in helping people deal with FOMO. Facebook proved to be the most popular channel for 38% of respondents to alleviate the fear of missing out, followed by 26% who chose to call a friend or family member, while 20% found relief from checking and sending e-mails.