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Family guides / Social media and children

What is FoMO? Understanding the fear of missing out

Learn what fear of missing out means, what research supports, and how to discuss availability and online pressure.

By AlkateiaUpdated September 20, 20262 min read

In this guide
  1. What does scientific literature support about FoMO? Przybylski and colleagues' 2013 study developed a FoMO scale and examined its relationships with psychological needs, well-being, and social media engagement. It found associations; this alone does not show that social media causes FoMO or a disorder. The studied groups do not automatically represent all Brazilian children. (Przybylski et al.)
  2. How can this fear appear in everyday life? Someone may feel they must follow every conversation or reply immediately to preserve a connection. A single situation does not allow a diagnosis. When talking as a family, focus on impact: is the worry interfering with a chosen activity, rest, or relationships? The person's own account helps explain what is happening.
  3. How can you distinguish wanting to participate from distress? Joining groups and being curious about friends are common experiences. Difficulty stepping away deserves attention when accompanied by persistent distress or harm. Do not use an informal online test to label a child. Seek professional assessment if health or daily life is significantly affected.
  4. What can the family agree on? Explain that not every message requires an immediate reply. Separate everyday messages from emergencies and establish a contact method for each. Protect rest and activities away from screens. The federal guide recommends dialogue and guidance suited to age and context. (Federal Government of Brazil)
  5. Does a private app prevent FoMO? No such promise is possible. Alkateia offers family communication without followers or public profiles, but is not a health treatment or presented as a clinical intervention. Even a closed group can create pressure to reply. Use clear communication agreements so the app supports everyday life without requiring constant presence.

FoMO stands for fear of missing out. It describes concern that others are having experiences you are missing, together with a desire to stay connected to what is happening. It is not the same as enjoying conversation or checking an important message. (Przybylski et al.)

What does scientific literature support about FoMO? Przybylski and colleagues' 2013 study developed a FoMO scale and examined its relationships with psychological needs, well-being, and social media engagement. It found associations; this alone does not show that social media causes FoMO or a disorder. The studied groups do not automatically represent all Brazilian children. (Przybylski et al.)

How can this fear appear in everyday life? Someone may feel they must follow every conversation or reply immediately to preserve a connection. A single situation does not allow a diagnosis. When talking as a family, focus on impact: is the worry interfering with a chosen activity, rest, or relationships? The person's own account helps explain what is happening.

How can you distinguish wanting to participate from distress? Joining groups and being curious about friends are common experiences. Difficulty stepping away deserves attention when accompanied by persistent distress or harm. Do not use an informal online test to label a child. Seek professional assessment if health or daily life is significantly affected.

What can the family agree on? Explain that not every message requires an immediate reply. Separate everyday messages from emergencies and establish a contact method for each. Protect rest and activities away from screens. The federal guide recommends dialogue and guidance suited to age and context. (Federal Government of Brazil)

Does a private app prevent FoMO? No such promise is possible. Alkateia offers family communication without followers or public profiles, but is not a health treatment or presented as a clinical intervention. Even a closed group can create pressure to reply. Use clear communication agreements so the app supports everyday life without requiring constant presence.

Sources and references

  1. Przybylski et al. — Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out (2013)
  2. Federal Government of Brazil — Screen Use Guide: glossary
  3. Federal Government of Brazil — Screen Use Guide: Recommendations for Families, Tutors, and Guardians

Sources accessed September 20, 2026. Informational content produced by Alkateia; information about the app describes its own features.