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| Abdus Salam, S.Sos., M.Si. (Photo: Special). |
In an era filled with diverse information and activities, the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become an inevitable part of societal life. The anxiety of missing out on specific trends has become a new concern. This has prompted Abdus Salam, S.Sos., M.Si., a Sociology lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), to shed light on the aspects of FOMO in social dynamics.
As an expert in sociology, he believes that humans, as social beings, desire to be recognized by others. "From a sociological perspective, this falls under the achievement theory that drives someone to compete to improve themselves," explained Salam.
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He emphasizes that FOMO can actively push individuals to become more actively involved in community life. Additionally, it motivates someone to stay updated on the latest developments in various fields, creating an atmosphere that continuously innovates and develops new interests.
As a real-life example, he notes that one positive aspect of FOMO is the sales trend on TikTok. "This is a selling momentum that can support the economy, and society can freely express creativity through this trend. It becomes an unavoidable social fact," he stated.
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Furthermore, Salam highlights that FOMO can change social paradigms. This is because FOMO makes society more open to diversity and cultural developments. In specific activities or events, people tend to participate in collective activities, creating stronger social networks. FOMO also motivates individuals to participate in social projects and charity.
"When someone feels compelled not to miss out on humanitarian efforts or social projects, it can create a positive wave of solidarity and community contribution. This phenomenon can even boost someone's popularity. For example, a preacher in Madura suddenly went viral due to their preaching activities on social media," he mentioned.
Nevertheless, Salam also warns about FOMO's negative impacts on society. This phenomenon is closely related to technological advancements, including gadgets. This can strain interpersonal relationships and lead to social disparities.
"At present, it's challenging to distinguish between images and facts, given that all activities are easily posted on social media. FOMO is unavoidable, but it must be balanced with social interaction patterns, such as actively contributing and participating in community activities," he concluded. (lai/wil/fajr)
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