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May 20th, 2026

Nowadays, thousands of people still stay active in the midnight not because they are busy working or studying, but because they are afraid of missing out. They keep surfing online. In today’s digital world, FOMO which indicates to the fear of missing out, has become a new form of pressure, especially for young people. Firstly, social media has made comparison into a daily habit. There are full of fantastic photos with exciting or leisure life experience, which may make many people feel that everyone else is living a better life than them. Everytime they scroll through the social media, they may have the same feeling again and again and continue comparing to others. That’s the main reason of FOMO becomes the peer pressure. In the  long run, the FOMO may influence people’s mental health and perception in a negative way. Many people may force themselves to follow trends, which requires them to pay high attention on other people and stuffs. As a result, they gradually lose their own pace of life and become trapped in the comparison created by social media. Therefore, the FOMO is not just a feeling description anymore. It’s a new form of peer pressure seriously influencing people’s behavior and thoughts in today’s world.

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Teenscare, SuZhou, China, 20th May 2026

Nowadays, social media has become part of teenagers’ daily lives. Many students wake up and immediately check Instagram, TikTok or YouTube before doing anything else. Because of this, the word “FOMO”, which means “fear of missing out”, is becoming more and more common in young people. Some people think it is only a trend, but in my opinion, FOMO is slowly becoming a new kind of peer pressure for teenagers.

The main reason is that social media makes people compare themselves with others all the time. Teenagers see their classmates posting photos of parties, trips or vacations, and they start to feel worried about being left out. Even when they are studying or spending time with family, many still keep checking their phones because they are afraid of missing new messages or updates. Gradually, they care too much about likes, comments and social curremcy. Sometimes students even pay more attention to posting pictures than actually enjoying the moment itself.

Although social media helps people stay connected, too much FOMO can clearly affect teenagers’ real lives. It can distracts students in daily life, creates stress and makes friendships feel less genuine.

To conclude, young people should remember that they do not need to follow everything online just to feel accepted by others. That's not important.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, May 20th, 2026

Have you ever heard of a light phrase, FOMO？In today's world with an ever-developing social network, FOMO has become a buzzword as the acronym for fear of missing out. According to Bailey Parnell, FOMO is an actual social anxiety from the fear that you are missing a potential connection, event, or opportunity.

A collection of Canadian Universities found that 7/10 students said they would get rid of their social networking accounts if it were not for fear of being left ‘out of the loop’. The study here takes students as a representative sample, which implicitly points out a tendency that FOMO is generally becoming an iconic peer pressure especially among new-era generation, as they tend to be easily tripped by comparison and overthinking on other's highlight moments sharing online. However, to a certain extent, we cannot define this feeling as a “new” form of pressure, since it has already existed thousands years ago but just arouses more awareness these days with public attention moving onto the social media usage. Tracing back to ancient times, human’s ancestors used to live in groups to ensure their basic safety and requirement, while being alone definitely meant various unknown dangers. Hence, this sense of warning is still engraved in our DNA by inheritance. That’s why we would feel deeply insecure and isolated whenever we miss out on certain gatherings with peers.

In fact, the pressure can be applied to individual not only through online communication or something, the same is true for our daily conversation in person. FOMO are considered to be a constant trigger reason to peer pressure and also a common syndrome attributed to peer pressure, which combine and interact with each other falling into a visious cycle.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou

May 20th, 2026

Yewen

When we talk about peer pressure, what would you think of it? You may firstly come up with anxiety upon academic or competition, admit that IBers suffers a lot from academic peer pressure. However, what we really looking at is a little-known illness called FOMO, fear of missing out, this phenomenon was widely recognized as a kind of peer pressure, but is it true?

FOMO describe a mental disease observed on social network sites, it is characterized by desire of staying continually connected with what others are doing, eventually leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation. Symptom of FOMO generally includes two processes: perception of missing out, then followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections.

So does it connected to peer pressure? Before knowing that, defining the term of peer pressure is crucial. Peer pressure refers to a mental stress which cause by peer, wishes to be accepted, identification, and fear of being excluded. Viewed in this light, these two terms do not perfectly match. Peer pressure is a kind of external pressure imposed on a person, but FOMO is an internal pressure due to missing out something. For example, peer pressure occurs when fear of others laughing at you when you are not able to participate into something; but FOMO occurs spontaneously when fear of miss out something. On the another hand, FOMO was a phenomenon highly related to social network, it mostly appeared as a phantom under effect of social media, telling that “everyone seems does well, but I’m not.”; peer pressure is a more a feeling in reality, a more practical feeling that “everyone truly does well, but I’m not.”. This idea also explained why FOMO is considered a mental issue but peer pressure is just a general feeling. On these points, FOMO is not really perfectly identical to peer pressure.

However, sometimes FOMO can actually caused by peer pressure. For example, peer pressure may give you concept of that missing out something would cause to inability of join conversations with other, leads to being isolation and lose connection under pressure peers imposed. This shows that these two terms still coincides in some extents.

Above all, different from what generally considered, this content believes that FOMO is not as same as peer pressure, but there does much point approaching each other. No matter what, FOMO is still a notable issue for present netizen, it sometimes cause severe result to sufferer and even affecting their ordinary life routine. What people could do is to distinguish FOMO from peer pressure and pay double-times more attention on it.

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May 20th, 2026

"The more social media we have, the more we think we're connecting, yet we are really disconnecting from each other," said Elon Mask. Online interaction is nothing out of the ordinary these days. As we enter the era of UGC, posting, sharing, or chit-chatting via social media has become part and parcel of our daily lives. Nevertheless, are you aware of the toll it is taking on your mental health? The sense of disappointment, self-hatred, dissatisfaction, or anxiety that you may have encountered while checking your phone is attributed to FOMO — the fear of missing out.

Evolutionary theory tells us that humans are naturally group-living animals. The discomfort associated with isolation, alienation, or separation has always accompanied us, yet FOMO has not become the talk of the town till now. An economically-challenged girl might never care for a high-spending day at the beach without Facebook; a skinny boy might never be disguised by his own body without Instagram. This shows how the development of social media has enhanced its effects, exerting not a new but a strengthened form of peer-pressure by overemphasizing differences and heightening social comparison. The truth is that the more we are exposed to the highlight reels, the more our perceptions become shaped by purposely polished content rather than reality.

Overall, FOMO is never a new phenomenon but a constant circumstance, reinforced by social networking platforms on which people show only their best sides to gain social currency, resulting in a “war” with no true winners. In light of that, we must understand that no one’s value is determined by social media. After all, it is no more than a tool. It does have the power to bring out the dark side of us, but it is our own responsibility to fight this pressure which originates from within us.

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Using the texts learned for this topic, write an editorial for your school magazine entitled :‘Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?’  (onto Padlet)

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Using the texts learned for this topic, write an editorial for your school magazine entitled :‘Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?’  (onto Padlet)

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Headline

Introductory para:- kicker + thesis

Main body: one-sided or balanced

Conclusion: sum up

Websites for more info about FOMO:

•https://www.npr.org/2017/05/02/526514168/why-social-media-isnt-always-very-social -NPR

•https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664 - VERYWELLMIND

•https://time.com/4358140/overcome-fomo/ - TIME magazine

•https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing/fomo  BBC article

•https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening/c1-listening/living-online  BBC listening

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 20th, May, 2025

Iris

She chose to study instead of going to the party—but watching everyone’s posts that night, she couldn’t help feeling left out.

It’s a very familiar feeling in our daily lives—an anxious sense that we’re missing something important. We call it FOMO: the fear of missing out. It tends to affect teenagers and young individuals more significantly due to their heavy reliance on social media and a heightened need for social acceptance. The still-developing teenage brain may not fully consider the long-term consequences so when they see their friends and peers posting on social media, it can lead to comparisons and an intense fear of missing out on experience their peers are having.

FOMO is gradually becoming a new form of peer pressure, FOMO in some teens can pushing teens to participate in actions they might not want to and even worse, leading to anxiety, depression and engaging in risky behaviors. It is high detrimental to teenagers’ development. So how to get over FOMO?

First, being less engaged in online activities, such as social media and breaking news，refocusing your attention on your own life. The curated and extravagant content on social media is a major cause of FOMO. So remove such apps temporarily, place daily usage restrictions on them, or remove your social network of those who constantly leave you feeling down about yourself or your life and you may feel better.

Second，you can choose to attending therapy. You may stop worrying about what you're losing out on and start feeling confident in how you spend your time by unplugging technology, refocusing your thoughts, and getting treatment from a certified mental health expert.

Constant FOMO could be harmful to one's physical and mental health. Enjoy what you're doing, and remember why you chose it in the first place.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 20th of May, 2025

Aviel

FOMO is the acronym of "Fear of Missing Out". In the current era of the Internet, "Fear of Missing Out" has become a widespread psychological phenomenon. Young people are afraid of missing out on information such as messages from friends or some entertainment news online. "FOMO" has been regarded as a new form of peer pressure, and this pressure has been amplified due to the dissemination of the Internet. The first thing young people do when they wake up every morning is to check their mobile phone messages. Some people have many messages on their phones, while others don't have as many. People form a kind of peer pressure based on the number of messages. When some teenagers see that everyone online is showing off about having many friends, they will compare themselves with those online people. So "FOMO" is a force that exists and oppresses everyone in society. For example, in real life, people like to browse Instagram or TikTok, and many people post photos or videos of their lives on these social media platforms every day. Some people will wonder why they don't have such a life and unconsciously compare their experiences with others. This is different from physical peer pressure. "FOMO" is more of a psychological pressure.

Although using social media for communication is a good way to relax, as FOMO becomes more widespread, it not only affects an individual's happiness but also causes psychological disorders, which may make teenagers feel anxious, stressed, and even suffer from depression. Therefore, we should use social media reasonably and protect our own mental health.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 20th of May, 2025

These days, with social media everywhere, FOMO，fear of missing out，is something a lot of young people feel. When we see friends posting about parties, trips, or cool things they’re doing, it’s easy to start feeling left out or anxious, even if we’re fine before.

Traditional peer pressure is pretty clear—you get asked or told to do something. But FOMO is different. No one has to say a word; it’s just this quiet feeling inside pushing you to join in. Because of it, people sometimes go to events they don’t really want to, or buy stuff just to fit in.

What makes it worse is that social media only shows the best moments，edited and filtered and we forget that it’s not the full picture. Still, we think we’re making our own choices.

For teens especially, wanting to fit in is natural, but FOMO can make us lose sight of what we really want. Instead of doing what makes us happy, we follow the crowd because we’re afraid of missing out.

FOMO is just peer pressure in a new form. The important thing is to remember that it’s okay to miss out sometimes. Real life isn’t about copying everyone else. Saying no to FOMO is one way to find freedom and be true to yourself.

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Editorial-Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure？

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Editorial-Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure？

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19th, May, 2025

In the digital age, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) has become a common feeling that appear on everyone，especially teenagers. As we read through social media, seeing our friends' photos from parties, celebrities promoting their luxurious lifestyles, or classmates sharing their IB scores, a familiar sense of anger creeps in: How miserable my life is! But in fact, everyone will have this kind of feeling，because everyone will only post the memorable or funny things in their life on social media for others to see. When others see these things, they are bound to feel envious and think they should have such a life.

Peer pressure is actually a social force, referring to the situation where individuals follow the behaviors or norms of the group out of fear of being excluded from the group. Looking back on one's school days, classmates might try a certain game because "everyone is playing it", or purchase trendy clothing in order to fit in with the group. The same psychological mechanism drives FOMO as well, so FOMO is

a new form of peer-pressure. Nowadays, with the advancement of technology, there are more and more social media platforms. More and more people post their wonderful lives online. This behavior has rapidly increased the number of people experiencing FOMO.

Although the influence of FOMO is profound, we are not powerless. On an individual level, the following methods can help alleviate the pressure of FOMO: setting time limits for social media usage (e.g., 1 hour per day), practicing mindfulness meditation to focus on the present, or redefining personal goals to reduce comparisons with others. For example, using the "screen time" feature on mobile phones can effectively reduce anxiety. On a societal level, schools and enterprises should promote digital literacy education to help young people identify the triggering mechanisms of FOMO, such as marketing advertisements or algorithm-driven "perfect life" illusions. Additionally, social media platforms also need to take responsibility, for instance, adjusting algorithms to reduce content that promotes excessive comparison, or encouraging users to share more authentic life segments.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China

20th, May, 2025

Have you ever felt upset and jealous when you saw your friends posting their

party pictures, vacation photos, or delicious meals on your WeChat or social media ? That feeling is called FOMO,which means Fear of Missing Out. Now it’s being more and more popular and becoming a new kind of peer pressure.

In the past, peer pressure usually happened face-to-face. For example,people would push you to do things like join at a party or ask you dress a certain way. It was direct and obvious. However, FOMO is different from the old peer pressures . It’s the pressure that you give to yourself. No one says anything to you and it’s quiet. You just see what others are doing online, and suddenly, you feel left out. And You begin to wonder if you are having a bad time. For example,you are studying late at night, and others are out with friends, laughing and having fun. Soon, you feel like you’re not enough. You feel pressure, anxiety and jealousy—not because anyone told you to change, but because you told yourself to catch up.

And  that’s what makes FOMO so powerful and dangerous. It can make you do things that you don’t want to do but you just do it to catch up. Moreover, with the increasingly widespread use of social media. People usually only post their best side on the Internet, rather than their bad side. But when people see these things, they will subconsciously compare and feel stressed. So FOMO is an intangible peer pressure that is invisible and intangible, but it exists everywhere when we are online and view the social medias.

In the end, yes, FOMO is a new kind of peer pressure which comes from the digital world. Any way , people could in the ways like go to the real world more often to experience and think, which can help them reduce the anxiety caused by FOMO.

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Editorial：Is "FOMO" a new kind of peer-pressure

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Editorial：Is "FOMO" a new kind of peer-pressure

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 19th of May, 2025

In the society now where the internet is developing rapidly. The life for the people now change a lot, people have all kinds of their life. Increasing of people willing to share their daily, we sharing and chating in Youtube or Tiktok. More and more others'highlight moment goes into people's daily life, people rooting their phone to see others'highlight moment as a daily. Parents share and chatting about their children with other peers, officers sit and have a drink talking about their work process, people always wanted to konw how other been, the fear of missing out is always exist, in the digital period now such of thing can't avoid.

First of all, with the developing of internet the children now can truelly find more e-friend, but that can't slove the problem, you can find the friend on internet only can chat or be with you for a really short time they have their own life problems to solve. You can immersed in the virtual world for a short time but their are a lot of thing in real world we need to deal with. How the FOMO cause the peer pressure? The harmful thing is that you won't care about what you want, in the process that comparing others's highlight moment, most of us will be self-abasement, and think about just like our life are meaningless，but what i wanted to say is that how can you compare your daily litte single moment with other's highlight moment manybe just one time in the year. If you just stop doing your thing and every seeking other's wonderful moment, your life will be really meaningless.

Also it can be a problem to make others envy, that can really change your "shape" and forget who you are. People that don't really know about that is not others'daily life be, they may think about why can't my life like that, they start to dress up or over using their money to show a fake life to people in internet, they will lose themselves and forget the meaning of life. For example in the drama "The Death of the Saleman" willy was died because of his jealous, he don't really respect others that become rich just loan to create a fake wealth, in the last he can't accept the pressure and used his death to clean up his loan.Understanding more about FOMO is a way to protect both you and i, keep understanding yourself, not to be like others.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 20th of May, 2025

Winnie

In today's world, social media has become a huge part of our lives. It's a place where we share our best moments, catch up with friends, and see what's happening around us. FOMO is a new kind of peer pressure that affects us in ways we might not even realize.

FOMO is like peer pressure. Traditional peer pressure is when your friends push you to do something you might not want to do, like trying a new trend or going to a social event just because everyone else is going. FOMO works in a similar way. It makes you feel like you need to be a part of everything, even if it's not something you're actually interested in. You might go to a social event just to avoid feeling left out, even if you'd rather stay home.

FOMO can be really stressful. It makes us compare our lives to what we see on social media, which is only show  the highlight in theirs life. We start to think that our lives aren't as exciting as others and that can make us feel down. It can also lead us make choices to adopt in.

To deal with FOMO, we need to remember that social media isn't real life. People only show the best parts of their lives without the boring or bad parts. We should focus on what makes us happy, not what makes others happy. Finally, we should talk to our friends about how we feel. Sometimes, they might not even realize that their posts are making us feel left out.

In the end, FOMO is a new form of peer pressure, but we don't have to let it control us. By being true to ourselves and focusing on what really matters, we can enjoy our lives without  worrying about what we're missing out on.

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SIPFLS,Suzhou,China,20th,May,2025

Jessica

Peer pressure refers to the psychological stress that an individual experiences when they choose to follow the group's rules for thinking or acting out of a desire to be accepted and recognized by their peers and to avoid being excluded. In the past, peer pressure usually manifested as follows: when the peers around a teenager participated in an activity, such as a competition or joining a certain club, the teenager would choose to participate in the activity together to avoid being excluded by the peers. However, nowadays, with the rise of social media, FOMO, also known as the fear of missing out, has taken the dominant position. The peer pressure on teenagers no longer only comes from their friends around them. They are constantly surrounded by various wonderful life segments of their peers on videos. Teenagers see their peers attending high-end banquets, traveling to different countries, or achieving academic or sports achievements. This gives them a general illusion that if they do not participate in these experiences, they will fall behind.

For example, seeing classmates sharing the activities they participated in on social media may make teenagers feel excluded and be forced to participate in similar activities, even though they are actually not really interested. The fear of being excluded from the social circle and the desire to integrate into the group prompt them to act in accordance with the "massive" presented on the internet. Moreover, FOMO also distorts their perception of reality. The filtered and beautified content on social media does not present the full picture, yet teenagers often make unfavorable comparisons between their own lives and it. This may cause them to experience anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, FOMO is a new form of peer pressure that affects the physical and mental health of teenagers. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness and help teenagers learn to approach life in a comfortable and positive mindset.

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Is FOMO a New Form of Peer Pressure?--Jolins

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Is FOMO a New Form of Peer Pressure?--Jolins

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SIPFLS Official Accounts, May 19th, 2025

Peer pressure has been exsit before the development of ICT. This is a kind of preesur that the peer group exert on an individual, considering the individual is powerless in a group. The individual trys to achieve a sense of belonging and shape the sense of identity in a group, which means the individual need to comform the norms,values or mimic the behaviors of the group in order to fit in.

And for FOMO, this is an acronym of "fear of missing out". This has been seen frequently on social media and especially for teenagers. More specifically, people will feel fear and anxiety if they miss the something intereting or hot topic like memes and gossip that others are experiencing and widely separating. In the aspeact of people's performance, they will check social media constantly and conpare their lives to others'.

It is able to find similarity of them. Which is people will get stress as they found their peers around doing something different with them, and they have to participate to avoid feeling left out, even they do not want to do so. FOMO and peer-pressure work together and intensify each other. People sacrifice themselves to fit in, this need to consider the commom inducement,which is the natural pursue of the sence of belonging.

During the evolution of human, they get used to rely on group life to obtain survival security, this is dangerous to be left out. And mentally, people can be less depress, lonely and anxiety as they fit in a group and vice versa.

Unfourtunatly, people cannot choose their group in most of the time. They have to socializing no matter they like or not, like the geographical relationship and work or shcooling relationship. As the developing of ICT, people can find the group they like, but also possibly go astray. On balance, social media is a tool, the key is to find a right way of usage.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 20th of May, 2025

Yana

Now is the world of digital society. Many people will pay a lot of time for talking with their friends online, and also they will get acquainted with strangers during the internet. “FOMO”,  the “Fear of Missing Out,” has become a defining psychological effect in the digital age. It describes the anxiety people feel when they believe others are having rewarding experiences without them, often triggered by social media. Also, it can be interpreted as the fear in missing the messages the friends send to them.

Classical peer pressure often involves direct or explicit influence: friends encouraging someone to drink at a party, skip school, or follow trends. FOMO, on the other hand, is more subtle and internalized. It doesn’t always come from people telling you what to do—it comes from seeing others doing things and feeling compelled to join in, even if it goes against the preferences or values.

Social media amplifies FOMO to an unprecedented degree. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok curate idealized lifestyles, constantly reminding users what they’re "missing"—be it parties, travel, achievements, or fashion trends. Unlike peer pressure from a small circle of friends, FOMO comes from a vast and often anonymous audience. The pressure is less about being coerced and more about self-comparison and fear of exclusion.

In fact, most of FOMO root in the anxious of unsociable and backward, which make people think that they do not do what they should have done, although that nobody requires him to do that. Through the quick speed in information transferred, internet can  magnify the influences of the change in fashion or the party take place in somewhere and make people anxiety and be fear in missing them out.

So that right, FOMO is a new form of Peer-Pressure, which causes by the self-anxiety and a fear in being unenlightened.

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today, many people feel FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out. This means they are afraid of not being part of something fun or important. Teenagers and young adults feel it the most. Even though it seems like a personal feeling, FOMO is a new kind of peer pressure.

Before, peer pressure was direct. Friends or classmates might tell you to do something so you can fit in. But FOMO is different. It is quiet and works through social media. People see photos and videos of others going to parties, traveling, or doing well in life. This makes them feel they also need to do these things, even if no one tells them to.

For example, if someone sees pictures of a party they didn’t go to, they might feel sad or left out. Next time, they may go to a party they don’t even enjoy, just to feel part of the group. Or they may feel worried when others get good grades or new jobs and think they are not doing enough.

To the end, FOMO is not the same as old peer pressure, but it still makes people feel they must follow what others are doing. In today’s world, it is a strong and quiet kind of pressure.

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Editorial: Is “FOMO” a new form of peer-pressure?

Teenscare, Suzhou, 19, May, 2025

In recent years, people use their phone all the time to social, work and relax. People can see others people’s shared picture about travelling, working and studying through Instagram, WeChat zone and TikTok. But some people will feel anxious and gain some peer pressure after viewing others’ shared picture, because they are afraid of being outdone by their peers. This symptom is fearing of missing out and we called it “FOMO”.

This symptom occurs because this group of people desire to be recognized by peers and be afraid to loss the comparation between peers, such as jobs, wages, size of house and daily life. This sense of fear is typically happened on everyone but smartphone especially social media expanse this problem.

People will only share their highlight-reel on social media like pictures about travelling, promotion in work and healthy meal, but they hide the boring and bad days. These cause others’ life is perfect except yours.

Also, social media helps you to integrate all the positive information from all your friends, and this leads you to believe that all your friends are keep improving themselves and “rat race”.

To relief the symptom, we should spend less time on social media, and read some books and do more exercises to improve yourselves and reduce anxiety. Also, we should initiate a communication and chat with others instead of being anxious oneself. This can help you understand what others are doing and keep in touch to avoid the sense of missing out.

To sum up, FOMO has become a new form of peer-pressure, we should find a comfortable way and an appropriate way to use social media to relax instead of gaining more pressure.

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In current digital society, as the popularity of electronic devices, most of people can use it in daily life including the teenagers. Therefore, it has been one crucial part of life of people which is the parament way to receive information and the connection of the entire world. As one of the daily routines, when adolescents wake up at morning, the first thing they might do is have a look what happen today. Nonetheless, it may lead to people have a strong desire searching and seeking latest information which is caused by the fear of messing something important. This phenomenon is called “fear of missing out”, FOMO.

FOMO creates a unique kind of peer pressure that differs from usual forms like direct persuasion or fear of rejection. Instead, it indirectly influences teenagers by making them feel left out when they see others posting about parties, travel, or achievements on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and red note. Unlike regular peer pressure, which often involves real-life interaction, FOMO operates digitally, making it more subtle but not marginal

While normal use of social media may not be harmful, abuse of it can lead to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Teenagers may surfer pressure attend events, dress a certain way, or post exciting content to keep up with their peers merely. This constant comparison and fear of exclusion can severely affect their mental health.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China, 19th May, 2025

“FOMO” is an acronym of “fear of missing out”. As the acronym described, more and more teenagers are experiencing the fear of being absent in certain occasions or trends, especially when they acknowledge them from social media, they may crave to be included in these occasions or to participate in these trends.

It is natural for human kind to observe the performance of our peers and reflect on ourselves, not only due to the undeniable existence of competition, but also to imitate other individuals and hence fit in the group. Therefore, peer pressure, defined as influence form members of one’s peer group, develops naturally. However, FOMO is an extreme case. Teenagers are at the stage of self-exploration and building new relationships with individuals outside their family, which gives them an ever stronger need to observe, compare to and with their peers in order to find the uniqueness within them and groups that they potentially belong to. However, this behavior is amplified by social media, which providing teenagers with a convenient tool to know what is happening in the community and around world 24/7.

The young generations are described as “digital native”, they grow with presence of digital technology such as social media, and hence, affected the most from it. Every individual on the internet tends to show the best part of their life while hiding the not-so-awesome moments. The highlight reels cause anxiety among teenagers who think they are doing as well as their peers. Moreover, teenagers share their social events on the social media, which creates a feeling of being excluded for those who did not participate in, leading to a stronger desire to be included. Teenagers trapped within FOMO may constantly check updates on social media, especially from their peers, and post everything in their life or even create fake scenes to post about to seek attention.

FOMO can potentially affect teenagers in various ways, both physically and mentally. Physically, the stress derived from FOMO can lead to stomach tension and headaches. Lack of sleep always comes along with the increased screen time spent on checking social media, damaging the health performance of teenagers suffering from FOMO. Mentally, low self-worth and self-esteem are some of the most significant effects. Long-term developed FOMO may cause teenagers to alienate themselves to fit in certain groups, interrupting the development of personality and identity.

The underlying innate need for connections below FOMO is the key to protect our teenagers from it. Building healthy relationships with people in the real life is the best cure to FOMO.

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Editorial: Is ‘FOMO’ a new form of peer- pressure?

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Editorial: Is ‘FOMO’ a new form of peer- pressure?

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Teens-care, Suzhou, China, 20th of May, 2024

In this digital era, everyone seems to be addicted to the virtual world. Every morning, first thing people do is no longer go out and take a breath, chat with neighbors or shopping with someone they love, but check new emails and browsing through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube etc. Gradually, checking social medias everywhere at anytime becomes the daily state, especially for teenagers. A new vocab called “FOMO” appears, which perfectly illustrates the phenomenon of “fear of missing out”. However, can FOMO be accounted as a new type of peer-pressure for teens?

First of all, why does this happen? The answer is, due to the convenience brings by tele-communication software, everyone use these applications. In order to convenient users to share their lives, these kind of software introduced a function called “moment”, or “post”, enabling users to share daily updates to everyone. Therefore, youngsters tend to check the moments post by their friends, classmates, celebrities or even someone they don’t even known everyday. As time passes by, it becomes a common habit, while feeling of being “isolated” because they don’t catch up with the latest news.

It’s a good thing for teens to keep in touch with their friends, but now, FOMO has gone to an extreme and has negatively affected their lives. They stick to check emails, messages and snaps and so forth, without considering the circumstances. For example, they ignore teachers during the class but keep sending messages. Additionally, adolescents values too much on posting daily lives on social media. For example, when they are attending a party, the priority is to take a picture and send it onto instagram. They started to ignore what’s really meaningful, such as having a deep talk with their friends, take their dogs for a walk, doing exercises and etc.

“FOMO” is a mew trend among teenagers caused by seeking sense of collective and attentions online, which started to post a negative impact on their lives, influencing how they enjoy the beauty of the world.

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SIPFLS, Suzhou, China,19th, MAY,2025

Ryan

FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a feeling that many people have these days. It is like a little voice in your head that whispers, "Everyone else is doing something cool, and I am not there." This feeling can be really strong when you scroll through your social media feeds and see pictures of friends at a party or on a trip you were not invited to. It is like a tiny fear that grows and grows, making you wonder if you are missing out on the best parts of life.

This feeling is similar to peer-pressure, where your friends might try to get you to do things you are not sure about. But FOMO is more personal. It is not about what your friends say; it is about what you see and what you think. You might start to feel like you are not living life to the fullest or that you are not as happy as everyone else seems to be.

Social media can make FOMO worse. People often share only the best moments of their lives online, like a perfect vacation or a big party. They do not usually post about the times when they are bored or having a bad day. So, when you look at these posts, you might think that everyone else is always having fun, and you are not. This can make you want to check your phone all the time, just in case you miss something exciting.

FOMO can also affect your daily life. You might start to change your plans just to make sure you do not miss out on anything. It can even make you feel anxious or sad if you think you are not part of what is happening. Over time, this can become a big problem will influence your sleep, your work, and even your mood.

So, while FOMO might seem like just another way people try to fit in, it is actually a deeper issue. It is about how we feel when we see others having fun and worry that we are not included. It is about the pressure we put on ourselves to be part of everything, even if it means changing who we are or what we want. In the end, FOMO is a reminder that we need to be kind to ourselves and remember that everyone’s life is different, and that is fine.

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To the Editor

Man, what can I say.

I recently overheard your article on "FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out" and found it very insightful. In our hyper-connected digital world, the urge to constantly check social media has become the norm, and it often stems from a fear of missing out on something important. People have been suffering from this status quo for a long time now, so this article of yours comes along and answers the question at just the right time.

I also agree with your analysis of this phenomenon and its impact on our mindsets, FOMO has a huge impact on the mental health of young people, and while some may argue that it can be a double-edged sword with both good and bad effects, I would argue that it's more of a bad thing, as too much reliance on electronic devices such as mobile phones often leads to a sacrifice of their authenticity and interests in order to gain social acceptance. This over-reliance on outside opinions often compromises our ability to listen to our inner voice. No one wants to be ignored when they make a statement, is it enjoyable for you to think that you are being respected when someone else is on their mobile phone while you are speaking about something very important?

So in summary I strongly agree with you that limiting the use of social media is the right thing to do. In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace and people are losing themselves, it is vital to set a set time and invest that time in richer pursuits. In this way, we can discover our true selves and find true happiness. Use your mobile phone again in your spare time, appropriately of course, not excessively.

Grateful for this.

Yours sincerely

Ehang

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Ehang, SuZhou, China

5.19 2024

FOMO can be seen as a new type of peer pressure, FOMO, or "fear of missing out", describes the persistent anxiety that individuals experience due to the fear of missing out on important events, opportunities or experiences. With the advancement of technology, this problem has become more acute in recent years, especially as this emotion is more prevalent in modern society, and with the growing popularity of social media, it is easier for people to see other people's lives and important moments, which can lead to strong FOMO emotions. Peer pressure usually refers to behaviours or decisions made by individuals as a result of feeling expectations or pressure from their peers. FOMO, on the other hand, as a new type of peer pressure, is special in that it stems more from an individual's internal anxiety than from direct external expectations. However, it can also have a profound impact on individuals' behaviours and decisions. For example, under the influence of social media, individuals may constantly check their mobile phones for fear of missing out on a party or event with friends, or even miss out on valuable time with their family or partner as a result. This FOMO-induced behaviour, although seemingly a personal choice, is actually influenced by the pressure of others . So my point is that while enjoying the convenience and fun of social media, we should also learn to look at FOMO rationally and avoid the negative impact it brings.

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To the Editor Ashley

Teenscare, Suzhou, China

20, May, 2024

I just read your post on "FOMO - Fear of missing out" and was deeply inspired. In this increasingly digitally connected age, it seems we're all constantly checking social media for fear of missing out on any glimmer of potential brilliance. Your in-depth dissection of the reasons behind this phenomenon and how it affects our behavior and mindset has made me think more deeply.

In this age of ubiquitous digital connectivity, social media seems to have become a part of our lives. We often unconsciously open various social platforms, afraid to miss any news or news. This worry and anxiety, as you say, is the FOMO mentality at work.

I have deeply felt the impact of FOMO on the mindset of young people. In order to seek approval and praise from others, many people will deliberately change their behavior and appearance, and even sacrifice their interests and hobbies. Behind this kind of behavior, in fact, is the uncertainty of self-worth and excessive dependence on the evaluation of others. More and more, we seem to care about the opinions of the outside world and ignore our own inner voice and needs.

However, as you pointed out ‘ true happiness and fulfillment comes from doing what you love and pursuing your dreams.’ We should pay more attention to our inner needs instead of blindly pursuing vanity and approval on social media. When we can truly express ourselves and courageously pursue our interests, we can find true self-worth and fulfillment.

At the same time, I really agree with your advice about reducing your time on social media. In the modern world, we seem to have been hijacked by various social platforms, spending a lot of time browsing and interacting with them. However, this over-dependence will only cause us to lose more valuable time and energy. We should set a reasonable use of time and put more energy into more meaningful things, such as study, sports, spending time with family and so on.

In short, your post has given me a deeper understanding of the FOMO phenomenon and has also made me reflect on my own behavior and mindset. I will try to adjust my lifestyle and pay more attention to my inner needs and true happiness. At the same time, I also hope that more people can read your article, benefit from it and find their own way of life.

Thanks again for your sharing and inspiration. I hope you can continue to bring us more in-depth thinking and suggestions in the future.

End with

Yous faithfully.

Annie

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Teenscare, Suzhou, china, 19, May, 2024

Olina

In recent years, most of people can’t live without social media, they always scroll on their phones to check the latest information. Are you ever suffered from the fear of missing out? This symptom is called “FOMO”. We found that a great deal of students will check the information upgrade in Instagram after class, they are sufferers of FOMO. Besides, 69% of Americans have experienced FOMO, according to a study by OnePoll, so it should be noticed seriously.

To begin with, FOMO is basically caused by difference from other people. The inevitable comparisons to the fake lives on social media makes people feel they have less, and FOMO sufferers desire to gain recognition. The research from verywellmind.com found that negative evaluations by others as well as linked to negative effects on mood. Therefore, people may doubt themselves due to others’ comments.

If you are confused by FOMO, how do we minimize the negative influence of FOMO? Don’t be worried, the solution is easy to implement. You can expel people who bring sense of difference from your subscription, and thus comparison is avoided at the root. Also, adding more positive people to the feed, hide people who tend to brag too much or who are not supportive of you. On top of that, it’s common to post memorable moment on social media, but don’t care about people who are validating your experience online. You can keep traveling and focus on personal journal, shift your focus from the judgment of others to your own life. The shift pull you out of circle of anxiety.

In conclusion，FOMO has became a new form of peer-pressure. We need to adjust our mindset, which means we should use social medias as a way to let off the steam，but not make comparison from others.

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To Teenscare

Dear editor,

Yesterday, I have read your recent article on negative impacts of “FOMO” on teenagers. I felt so strongly connected with this topic that all my friends now values too much on social media. They take out their phones and text their friend or post moments everywhere at anytime. You mentioned that “FOMO” derives from “jealous psychology”, I believe you are correct from some aspects, but I have a different opinion so I must share my thoughts with you.

First of all, as “FOMO” is an acronym of “fear of missing out”, I think it clarifies a psychological syndrome of afraid of getting out of the loop rather than being jealous towards others. However, this frequently happens among teenagers since they demand more social interaction with their friends. Thus, redefining FOMO, from my perspective it stands for people can’t stop checking their phones because they are afraid of not keeping up with current events, resulting in an information gap between they and their friends. For example, teenagers frequently scroll through social media like instagram, facebook, twitter and so forth, looking for most advanced information such as gossip of a celebrity, new popular game, most advanced technology, a newly opened restaurant. They need to know what happens currently because they need to make sure they have something to talk about with their friends, or they will be in solitude.

Nevertheless, I totally agree with your statement that FOMO generates a dark emotion among teens: jealous. To keep away the information gap I mentioned earlier, teenagers are forced to keep checking others’ moments. But, what people send online will always be their highlight reels, when teens check those highlights, they inevitably come across with self-denial and anxiety, keep thinking like “why she is so thin and pretty? Why she is so clever? Why she has so many vacations but I need to work on my IA and EE?” But as you mentioned, everyone has their unique life, it’s not worthy to compare with others and fall into inferiority complex. Therefore, to help youths getting rid of FOMO, I would like to make a supplement based on your advice.

According to your view point, teenagers can find values by reducing the usage of electronic devices. I believe it is true, they need to perceive their self-value immediately, and the best way to realize it is to pay more attention on themselves. According to a famous YouTuber called Mr.Jin indicates that, “say less and do more” is very important when releasing dopamine, which directly contributes to self-value. To be specific, make effort and realize what you want to do as long as you have the thoughts. In this process, on one hand, you feel like you are so capable of doing anything you want to do, on the other hand, you gain confidence when reaching the goal, as you are doing so well at self management, and you got what you want. By achieving this method, teenagers can gain self-values immediately, while starting to care less on what happens to others, because the one they love the most now, is themselves.

Lastly, social media has only been around for a few decades, it’s so common that teenagers now are not so familiar with how to deploy it. I hope that you can keep updates the negative effects on social media and provide practical solutions to adolescents, I believe everything will eventually go well. This is all I wanted to say, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Linda.

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Editorial: Are you a member of 'FOMO' poplulation?

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Editorial: Are you a member of 'FOMO' poplulation?

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Susie

May 19th, 2024

Are you afraid of missing out on something someone shared? This phenomenon is called 'Fomo', means you want to know what is everyone is doing at every moment and become worry about others have a better life with you. It has became a really serious problem that the teenagers like us want to check the social media everyday.

FOMO has became a peer-pressure. A study did by researcher Fioravatin indicated that people who showed more FOMO are also showed more problems in using social media. This means these people are usually more depressed and unconfident. This is because each time when they check other people's friend circle, tiktok or other social media platform, they always see the pictures or videos that showed people always live in a wonderful life. For example, the pcitures of travelling to a country, a girl or boy with a perfect bodyshape and looking, or even the achievements of others. When looking to themselves, their life is more boring than others. Therefore, the depression and anxiety will come.

On the top of that, FOMO is also very common among the introverts. Introverts usually prefer to have a place for their alone. So when they are boring, they tend to check the social media or communicating with friends on social media. It is easy for to see how others sharing their life so they are more easy to get anxious and unconfident.

In fact, people on the social media are not usually live as happy as you think. People will only show their happiness to everyone, and hide their pain and boring life. Like the photos of travelling, the views are beautiful and the people are smiling, but they may feel really tired for walking all day and communicating with local people. So, be confident! You are perfect and worth for a wonderful life! Try to spend more time on yourselves, family and your close friends, don't just look the photos on the social media all day!

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Editorial: Is ‘FOMO’ a new form of peer-pressure?

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Editorial: Is ‘FOMO’ a new form of peer-pressure?

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Teenscare, Suzhou, China

19, May, 2025

With the development of the technology, people use social media to share their highlight reels, communicate and contact with others. When you see your friends or classmates are having a great time with each other and post on the social media, but they did not invite you. If you are in this situation, will you feel jealous? Upset? Or annoyed? As long as it affects you, then you will gradually have a syndrome called ‘FOMO’. ‘FOMO’ an acronym which refers to ‘fear of missing out’ the anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.

‘FOMO’ can not only be reflected from the situation have mentioned above, but also from the frequency of checking the notifications and the latest information you got on your phone. According to the speech of Bailey Parnell, “A collection of Canadian Universities found that 7/10 students said they would get rid of their social networking accounts if it were not for fear of being left ‘out of the loop’.” It demonstrated ‘FOMO’ has become a peer-pressure that we should take action to address and solve in recent years.

First of all, ‘FOMO’ is a modern form of peer pressure because it controls people into checking the notifications and comparing highlight reels with others. According to a 2023 Pew Research report, 67% of teenagers reported feeling left out after seeing friends’ social media posts about events they didn’t attend.

This research reflects how social platforms have become a stage for people to show off and sharing highlights of their lives, creating an illusion of fulfilled, success, or popularity. For many, this contributes peer-pressure to other people, and they will act in similar ways to avoid feeling excluded or isolated. The fear of being “out of the loop” leads to the decisions which people made will creat an interest of fake and phony, just as peer-pressure once may push teenagers to follow others, such as smoking, drink alcohol, or attend parties. Thus, ‘FOMO’ is created by human’s technology and rapid development, due to social media and communication technologies.

So how we should avoid or get away from this peer-pressure? Then you need to understand that how and why we use social media. It is easy to avoid it, by limiting screen time, turning off notifications, or setting specific times to check social platforms, you can get control the pressure slowly. Practicing mindfulness allows people to focus on their own experiences rather than constantly comparing themselves to others which helps to reduce the emotional pressure.

‘FOMO’ is more than a personal issue, through sharing images and connection between others, social media has created an environment where people feel pressured to be involved. ‘FOMO’ may look different from other peer-pressure in the past, but its also effects anxiety, depression, stress. In a word, technology continues to evolve, we must also develop emotional intelligence and strong consciousness to against these kinds of hidden pressures.

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Is FOMO a New Form of Peer Pressure?

TeensCare, Suzhou, China, 19,May,2024.

"Are you really living your life, or just living for the photographing?" Imagine when you skim through Instagram and constantly seeing friends at parties, on exotic vacations, or enjoying delicious meals. Do you feel some of jealousy or pressure to keep up? This is the essence of FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, a psychological phenomenon that's increasingly prevalent in our social media-driven world. FOMO isn't just a harmless feeling, it also has evolved into a new form of peer pressure.

FOMO is not merely a trendy term but a pervasive issue affecting on mental health. Unlike traditional peer pressure, which often involves direct persuasion.FOMO is subtler yet equally compelling. Social media platforms magnify this fear by constantly showcasing highlights of other people's lives. This omnipresent display creates an invisible pressure, making individuals feel they are perpetually missing out, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression, especially among teenagers and young adults who are the most active users of these platforms.

FOMO is essentially a modern form of peer pressure. Traditional peer pressure typically involves face-to-face interactions and direct influence, whereas FOMO operates through the indirect but powerful medium of social media. Young people may feel compelled to participate in activities they aren't genuinely interested in, just to keep up with their peers. This invisible peer pressure drains their time, energy, and finances, ultimately leading to emotional strain.

Furthermore, FOMO fosters a cycle of validation-seeking behavior. The constant need for social approval can detract from meaningful real-life interactions and personal growth. Students might prioritize capturing the perfect photo over genuinely experiencing moments, thus losing the essence of living in the present. This behavior impacts not only individual mental health but also the authenticity of relationships with friends and family.

In conclusion, FOMO’s implications are serious. It represents a modern twist on peer pressure, pushed by the omnipresence of social media. As the editor of the school magazine, I urge everyone to consciously limit social media usage, foster real-world connections, and focus on personal fulfillment rather than societal approval. It's time we recognize FOMO for what it truly is and take steps to mitigate its impact on our well-being. Let’s work together to create a healthier and more realistic social environment.

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Is FOMO a New Kind of Peer Pressure?-Ashley

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Is FOMO a New Kind of Peer Pressure?-Ashley

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Teenscare, Suzhou, China

20,May, 2024

In today's digitally connected world, do we find ourselves constantly checking social media, fearing we might miss out on something exciting? That feeling is called FOMO - Fear of Missing Out. But is it just a trend, or is it really a new kind of pressure from our friends?

Nowadays, many young people like to share their lives on social media, and they hope to get likes and comments from others. But I always want everyone to like you, which will make you feel anxious. In order to get more attention and like, people may change their behaviour and appearance, such as changing clothes, hairstyles, and even changing their hobbies. But doing so will not only make you lose your true self, but also lose the fun of doing what you like.

To feel better, it’s important to focus on what you really like and who you really are. Don’t just care about what others think of you on social media. Try to make real friends by talking to people face-to-face. That way, you’ll feel more supported and happy.Also, try not to spend too much time on social media. Set a time limit and use that extra time to do things that make you happy, like studying, playing sports, or hanging out with family.

To sum up, FOMO is indeed a new kind of pressure from friends, which is brought about by the modern digital world. Although social media allows us to share our lives, it also makes us feel anxious because we are afraid of missing something. We should remember that real happiness and satisfaction come from being ourselves and pursuing our own hobbies, rather than seeking the recognition of others on the Internet. Communicate more face-to-face with real friends, spend less time on social media, and do things that make you happy, such as studying, exercising, or spending time with your family. In this way, we can live a more fulfilling and happier life.

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Teenscare, Suzhou, China

20,May, 2024

With the development of technology, everyone can share their daily life on the Internet. In this process, do you have some moments that you feel you can't leave the phone, want to know what others are doing all the time, but when you know, you will appear jealous psychology. Then you can know that you have "FOMO." "Fear Of Missing Out" is a psychological problem that occurs when you can't see the state of someone else, and you develop curiosity, but when you look, you don't want them to present a better life than you do.

So why do we have this situation? A lot of times this happens among peers, because everyone is the same age, but they live different lives, it is inevitable that there will be jealousy because of the good or bad life. And sometimes it will affect the child's psychology because of the comparison of parents.

In view of this, we can try some methods to solve, such as reducing the use of electronic products, when they hold electronic products in their hands, they will be unable to control the want to open, browse what happened at this moment. So we can reduce the use of electronic products to do some things we are interested in, such as sports, reading books and so on. To get rid of the idea of turning on your phone all the time.

It can also enhance their self-confidence, not inferior, when seeing others good, also want to praise themselves very good, can be good at finding advantages from themselves.

All in all, we should learn to adjust our mentality, encounter things do not always think about the bad side, to think more about the good. At the same time, we can do more things we like than always looking at the phone.

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To the Editor,

TeensCare Magazine

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my opinions on the insightful editorial discussing the issue of 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO) and its impact on individuals in today's digital age. The article effectively brings attention to the pervasive nature of FOMO, particularly among teenagers and young adults, highlighting the detrimental effects on mental health and self-esteem.

One point of strong agreement I have with the editorial is the emphasis on the negative effects of FOMO on individuals' mental well-being. It is evident from the research mentioned in the article that FOMO is closely linked to conditions like depression and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by excessive social media use. The editorial correctly points out the harmful cycle of constantly checking social media in pursuit of validation and comparison, leading to heightened feelings of inadequacy and envy. Acknowledging these issues is crucial in addressing the root causes of FOMO and promoting strategies for coping and prevention.

However, I respectfully disagree with a point made in the article regarding the solution to combat FOMO. While it is suggested that individuals suffering from FOMO should shift their focus away from social media and seek out real connections, I believe that a more balanced approach is needed. While reducing social media consumption and engaging in offline activities can certainly help alleviate feelings of FOMO, advocating for a complete withdrawal from social media may not be feasible or even desirable for everyone. Social media, when used mindfully, can provide valuable connections, information, and support that enrich people's lives.

Instead of solely encouraging individuals to detach from social media, I propose a more nuanced approach that includes promoting digital literacy, self-awareness, and healthy boundaries in the use of technology. Educating individuals on how to critically evaluate and manage their social media usage can empower them to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, mitigating the negative effects of FOMO while still benefiting from the positive aspects of online connectivity.

In conclusion, the editorial effectively raises awareness about the prevalence of FOMO and its detrimental effects on mental health. By acknowledging the complexities of FOMO and proposing strategies for coping, we can work towards a society that fosters resilience, self-acceptance, and balanced technology usage. I appreciate the opportunity to engage in this important conversation and encourage further dialogue on how we can collectively address the challenges posed by FOMO in the digital age.

Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue, and I look forward to seeing more discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier relationship with social media and enhancing mental well-being.

Sincerely,

Cassie

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Editorial: Is FOMO a New Form of Peer Pressure?

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Editorial: Is FOMO a New Form of Peer Pressure?

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Cassie

Teenscare , SuZhou ,China

May 19th,2024

In this age of social media dominance, the fear of missing out (FOMO) has become a significant phenomenon, influencing how individuals perceive their lives. The pressure to keep up with the curated and oftentimes unrealistic images portrayed on platforms like Instagram can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

FOMO, fueled by the constant stream of idealized lifestyles and experiences showcased on social media, can indeed be seen as a form of peer pressure.

The fear of missing out on the latest trends, parties, or travel destinations can drive individuals to make decisions based on external validation rather than their own values and priorities. This pressure to conform to a certain standard set by online influencers and peers can lead to a sense of alienation and insecurity among those who feel they are not measuring up.

On the other hand, some may argue that FOMO is simply a natural consequence of the digital age we live in, where information is readily available at our fingertips. It can be viewed as a mechanism for staying connected and informed about what is happening in the world. However, when this fear of missing out begins to negatively impact one's mental health and self-esteem, it raises important questions about the influence of social media on our lives.

In conclusion, while FOMO may not be a traditional form of peer pressure, its effects on individuals, especially young people, cannot be ignored. It is crucial for individuals to cultivate a sense of self-worth and authenticity that is not dependent on external validation. As we navigate the digital landscape, it is important to strike a balance between staying informed and connected while also prioritizing our mental well-being and personal values.

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With the rapid development of Internet technology, we are in an era of information explosion. This is an era in which access to all kinds of information has never been easier, but it has also brought a new anxiety - Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

FOMO refers to an individual's anxiety about missing out on something that might bring satisfaction when faced with a variety of choices. In today's highly developed social media, people always pay attention to the social medias and other platforms, for fear of missing any valuable information. This psychological state leads people to constantly search for information in their lives in the hope of mastering more information, but often falls into anxiety.

So how do you deal with FOMO?.

Firstly, we have to learn to sift through information. In the age of information explosion, we need to have the ability identify valuable information. Focus on what you really care about, set the boundaries of your access to information, and avoid being distracted by irrelevant information.

Secondly, we should cultivate the ability to think independently. When receiving information, we should not only see the surface phenomenon, but also dig deep into the reasons and logic behind it.

Finally, we must learn to adjust our mentality and accept our imperfect selves. There will always be some good things missing in life, but that doesn't mean we will miss more. Instead, learn to let go of the fear of FOMO and focus on the present to better grasp future opportunities.

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China
28, March, 2023
Have you ever seen "FOMO" is mentioned over and over again while scrolling through Twitter or any other apps? It's the acronym of "Fear of missing out." To put it simply, it is an external manifestation of social anxiety, which is manifested in reading updates posted by others on social media whenever and wherever, for fear of missing the opportunity to interact with others, news updates, etc. In fact, with the rapid development of the Internet, more and more people in modern society have been suffering from FOMO - even a large part of people do not realize this point, which is undoubtedly not conducive to people's physical and mental development.

To get rid of FOMO, we first need to understand why it happens and how it influences us. A famous British psychologist defines it as "the fear that others may have beneficial experiences that one does not have". With more and more people recording their lives on social media, people unconsciously think that a person posts his or her whole life on the Internet; Therefore, in order to keep track of all the lives and activities of his relatives and friends, he or she must constantly pay attention to his or her phone. In addition, other experts claim that FOMO is a problematic reliance on social media that can lead to sleep deprivation, reduced ability to live, emotional stress, anxiety and lack of emotional control, and even conflict with one's loved ones.

So how do we get rid of FOMO? Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Set a time per day that you can check social media. There are a number of apps available to force a shutdown, so if you're worried you don't have enough self-control, try them out.
2. Cut yourself off from social media. It's a little hard to implement, but maybe you can turn off your phone when you're on vacation. (Steve Corona, TwitPic's former CTO, did it too.)
3. Join a variety of clubs, such as reading clubs and so on. In the process of interacting with people, it becomes easier to avoid using social media. When you get used to not seeing other people's updates, you'll naturally get rid of FOMO.
4. One of the most useful and hardest to achieve is to change your mind. When you think that the grass is greener on the other side, tell yourself: Everyone's phase of success is different. Try to congratulate them instead of being jealous.

All in all, the rise of FOMO seems a certain future. However, we hope that everyone reading this article will be aware of this problem and let their friends and relatives know that together, they can get rid of this unhealthy social psychology and build a life free from the interference of the Internet.

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Editorial: Are You Suffering from ‘FOMO’?

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Editorial: Are You Suffering from ‘FOMO’?

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China
27, March, 2023
Have you ever thought that something important will be missed if you put down your phone? If you have, you may suffering from ‘FOMO’. FOMO, acronym of ‘Fear of Missing Out’, is a phenomenon occur in social media, refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It involves a deep sense of envy and affects self-esteem. In modern society, more and more people are suffering from FOMO, especially teenagers and young adults. FOMO has became an important issue, and we must have a clear understanding about this mental problem and the ways to deal with.

Since the society pays more attention, to the psychological condition of teenagers, the research on FOMO is more complicated and available. Actually, there are many negative effects of FOMO, and it is more common than you might expect. Usually, teenagers who use social media will more likely to experience FOMO, however, at the same time, FOMO will increase the rates of checking social media, drown into a infinite loop. According to the research, girls experiencing depression tend to use social networking sites at a greater rate while, for boys, anxiety was a trigger for greater social media use. So the mental health issues are important triggers that may make you suffer from FOMO easier.

Fortunately, if you are suffering from FOMO or you want to prevent it, there are some steps to minimise. The first one is to change the focus. As we mentioned above, people who use more social media will be more likely to suffer from FOMO, so it’s very important for those media users to pay their attention to other stuffs. For example, take a walk after dinner rather than sitting on the sofa and checking social media, read 50 pages of a book instead of giving a ‘like’ under every moments. The next is seeking out for real connections. “It will be very boring if you keep at home without social media, handing out with friends or do some out-door activities are good choices.” Said Doctor. Wu, the psychological specialist in the Children Health Care Agency.

The increasing number of people who is suffering from FOMO seems have reflected an issue in the modern society, which is the lose of self-esteem. Every time we checking the social media, the beautiful photos, videos even articles are showing that they are living a better live than you. However, the thing we need to keep in mind is that people always shows their highlight moments, but hide the negative side of life, thus it makes an illusion of ‘successful person’. No one will always live in the light spot, no matter today is perfect or not, we should always accept the nature of life, accept the reality. We don’t need to be inferiority at all.

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China
28, May, 2023

FOMO is the Fear of missing out. Since the advent of social media, this question has come up a lot. But how does it come about? How will it affect our lives? How do we solve it? We will elaborate on these issues.

First of all, with the wide spread of social media, almost everyone has a social media account. They also share their accounts with their friends, especially among young people. They like to post about their daily lives on social media, albeit in a glorified way. But when their friends see it, they still think this is your life, and they start showing off to each other. People can't get tired of it, and then they will pay close attention to every bit of it on social media, they are afraid of missing anything shared by others. That's what causes FOMO. It also creates a certain peer presume. According to a survey, 92 percent of teenagers have this condition. They say, "I'm on social media all the time." "I love sharing my life on social media." This is what it's like to be a teenager.

Moreover, "FOMO" seriously affects People's Daily life. It makes people anxious. The showing off of different people on social media makes people jealous and makes them feel anxious, which gives them a lot of pressure invisibly. It can also make them feel unhappy. At the same time, "FOMO" can cause them many serious problems, such as dangerous driving. Studies show that about 20 percent of all driving offences are for using a mobile phone while driving. This creates a serious distraction for drivers and poses a great risk to their safety. For teens, FOMO can also increase stress. By comparing themselves with others on social media, they can create a big gap, which can make them feel depressed and inferior, and even make them vain.

How do we solve these kinds of problems? First, try to shift your focus. People pay too much attention to social media just to see something they don't have. If people paid more attention to what they already had, there would be less FOMO. Another approach is to build a strong offline network of friends. People don't pay too much attention to what they see on social media when they have good friends in real life. They can hang out with their friends as a way to reduce FOMO. Cutting back on electronics is also a way to reduce FOMO. Social media is just a way for people to relax, but there are many other ways to relax. Like playing sports or reading books. Sports can make us healthier. Reading books can enrich our knowledge. These are far more meaningful than following social media.

In general, people should try to minimize FOMO. FOMO can cause a lot of bad effects. Hopefully, these suggestions will give you some help.

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Editorial—FOMO: Is It the New Peer Pressure?

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Editorial—FOMO: Is It the New Peer Pressure?

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China

28, March, 2023

In today's highly connected world, the fear of missing out, or FOMO, has become a significant concern for young people. In its origins, the fear of missing out on FOMO is actually an ancient fear fueled by the newest form of communication: social media. According to Oxford University professor Andy Przybylski, FOMO is not a new phenomenon, but social media has made it easier for us to perceive the lives of others. But is FOMO simply another form of peer pressure, or is it something distinct?

Peer pressure, a phenomenon long familiar to parents and educators, involves the influence exerted by one's peers to conform to certain behaviors or beliefs. It often manifests in direct or indirect ways, pushing individuals to engage in activities they may not necessarily want to participate in. Peer pressure typically occurs in face-to-face settings, such as social gatherings or school environments, where the desire to fit in and gain acceptance is strong.

The definition of it on Wikipedia is: FOMO, also known as community panic disorder, refers to a kind of sustained anxiety caused by suffering from displacement, people with this disorder always feel that others have experienced something very meaningful in their absence.

Although there are some similarities between peer pressure and FOMO, they are still very different. Peer pressure happens through direct or indirect interactions with others, while FOMO mostly comes from what we see online. When we see our friends posting about exciting things on social media, it can make us feel like we're missing out and not having as much fun as everyone else.

Peer pressure usually happens in real-life situations, like at parties or school. FOMO, however, mostly takes place on the internet. It's about constantly wanting to be connected and involved online, fearing that if we're not, we'll miss out on important things and feel left out.

Both peer pressure and FOMO can influence our decisions, but FOMO is more about personal feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction. It can make us feel like we always have to be online, checking what everyone else is doing, and seeking validation from others. This constant need for approval can harm our mental health and self-esteem.

Moreover, FOMO can distort our view of reality. Social media often shows the best parts of people's lives, making us think they're always having a great time. This can make us feel inadequate and unsatisfied with our own lives. Trying to keep up with others can also make us lose sight of who we truly are.

In summary, FOMO has become a new type of peer pressure in the digital age. The pressure to constantly be connected and involved online can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling isolated if we don't participate. To counteract this, it's important to be aware of the limitations of social media and set boundaries for ourselves. We should focus on building genuine connections and pursuing activities that truly interest us. By doing so, we can find fulfillment and reduce the negative impact of FOMO on our lives.

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Editorial：Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?

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Editorial：Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China, 19, May, 2024

Social media platforms dominate our daily lives, a new phenomenon has emerged: FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. FOMO refers to an individual's concern about missing out on novel experiences or positive events happening online, either by themselves or others, such as missing out on comments and likes on their own posts or missing out on fresh events shared by friends. FOMO is only a harmless product in our interconnected world, or is it a new form of peer pressure. Can have significant implications for young people?

Social media providing the content which highlights the exciting and glamorous aspects of others' lives. The pressure that bring these idealized images can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and self-doubt. Moreover, the fear of missing out on social events or opportunities can force individuals to focus on quantity over quality in their social pictures, losing the true mind of sharing life. A book called “Along Together” wrote by Professor Sherry found that large numbers of teenagers have this phenomenon when they are being constantly connected actually leads to a new kinds of solitude.

How do we solve these kinds of problem? Understand your interests and goals, and realize that everyone has unique value and contributions. Embrace your individuality and strengths, and recognized that your worth is not determined by social media. Engage in self-reflection to identify your passions and wishes, and focus on pursuing activities that match with your values and interests. By recognizing your own worth, you can develop a sense of self-confidence and authenticity, reducing the influence of FOMO and promoting mental well-being.

In conclusion, while FOMO may appear innocuous on the surface, it represents a peer pressure that can have detrimental effects on young people's mental health and well-being. By raising awareness of FOMO and its consequences that can let yong people know what they want to do and how they want to choice in the digital world.

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Editorial: FOMO has become a common phenomenon in society.

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Editorial: FOMO has become a common phenomenon in society.

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China

28, May, 2023

Have you heard about a work called “FOMO”? Which is known as “Fear of missing out.” Here is a fact that might shock you which is nearly three quarters of young adults reported they experienced the phenomenon. In 2013 British psychologists elaborated and defined it as “pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent”, FOMO is characterized by the desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing.

FOMO includes two processes: firstly, perception of missing out, followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections. The social aspect of FOMO could be postulated as relatedness which refers to the need to belong, and formation of strong and stable interpersonal relationships. Don't think it's just a small thing, FOMO will bring a range of negative life experiences and feelings, such as a lack of sleep, reduced life competency, emotional tension, negative effects on physical well-being, anxiety and a lack of emotional control; with intimate connections possibly being seen as a way to counter social rejection.

Firstly, as the fast development, the Internet seems to permeate every corner of our lives, it also provides a compensatory medium for people with social anxiety to address their unmet social needs in a manner other than face to face communication. However, this “social compensation” can be problematic when it reinforces avoidance for face-to-face and consequentially increasing social anxiety. These processes are likely to worsen social fears and predispose one for anxiety disorders. People will frequently be checking and refreshing social media for notifications. This subsequently heightens the levels of anxiety in order to keep up with the theme with anticipation of a reward.  In a Belgian study with 1000 subjects, 6.5% were found to be using social medias excessively, they were found to have lower emotional stability and agreeableness, conscientiousness, perceived control and self-esteem which could be risk factor for affective disorders.

Secondly, FOMO will influence physical health to some extent. The young adults with high levels of FOMO are less likely to report their own lifestyle as healthy. The feelings of envy and social exclusion are also linked with poor eating habits. Additionally, FOMO promotes high social media use which leads to a sedentary lifestyle influencing the epidemic of obesity in young adults. The amount of time spent on social media is associated with vision issues and poor attention, which is linked with accidents while walking, crossing roads, driving or doing daily activities. FOMO may also lead to poor posture and subsequent musculoskeletal pain involving neck, back and hands and fingers. This is further accentuated as pain prevents the initiation or the continuation of sleep, contributing to poor physical health.

FOMO has been very common in the whole society. People need to take some steps to help themselves overcome FOMO. It is a good choice to go to the hospital to find a doctor to communicate with, but in daily life, we can also properly use social media to avoid paying too much attention to ourselves.

reference: Gupta M, Sharma A. Fear of missing out: A brief overview of origin, theoretical underpinnings and relationship with mental health. World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jul 6;9(19):4881-4889. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i19.4881. PMID: 34307542; PMCID: PMC8283615.

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‘Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?’ : editorial

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‘Is FOMO a new form of peer-pressure?’ : editorial

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Editorial Board
May 22, 2023

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Editorial: Is FOMO a New Form of Peer-Pressure?

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Editorial: Is FOMO a New Form of Peer-Pressure?

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TeensCare, Suzhou, China

19, May, 2024

Have you ever heard about FOMO? In today's highly tech world, social media platforms such as Instagram have become more popular in our daily life. However, as we flip through others wonderful photos of perfect vacations, food and some luxurious life, a feeling will crept into our hearts that known as FOMO, it’s fear of missing out and may become new form of peer pressure.

FOMO is more than just a slight feeling of jealousy. It can significantly affect mental health among teenagers. Many teenagers constantly compare their own lives to the highlight moments from others, it can lead them to feel low self-esteem, anxiety and even the depression. They will think they should follow the trend, if they don’t they will be excluded, so they may trying to imitate others. This can stimulate FOMO and increase the peer pressure, prompting teenagers to engage in popular behaviors in order to gain social approval.

The negative impacts of FOMO can be seen everywhere. For instance, teenagers are especially vulnerable as they explore the complexities of identity and self-worth. Social media amplifies peer pressure by creating ' Windows' into the lives of their friends and online celebrities. These 'windows' will create some illusion of glamour that make some teenagers jealous and they may imitate than lose their mind.

However, The important thing is that we all need to know that each of us is unique and our emotions, dreams and experiences cannot be summed up in a few simple likes and comments. Instead of seeking satisfactions in social media, we need to focus on growth and relationships in the real world. Our self-value should be defined by our own efforts and growth, not just simple external judgments.

In conclusion, FOMO may be a new type of peer pressure, but we can against it through improve self identification and try to get rid of FOMO.