The fear of missing out is about the fear of lost social connection.
Episode Description
Wharton Professor Barbara Kahn and other experts investigated the phenomenon of "FOMO," finding that people are worried about missing out on bonding.
EPISODE OVERVIEW Wharton marketing professor Barbara Kahn explains the psychology of FOMO, the fear of missing out, and how it differs from simple regret. She and host Dan Loney explore how FOMO isn’t just about missing an event, but about missing the social bonds and shared experiences that form within groupsKahn explains how social media amplifies this feeling by constantly showing us what others are doing, and discusses the implications for businesses that build brand loyalty through experiences and community. The conversation reveals how companies might harness, or temper, FOMO to strengthen community engagement and customer connection.
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
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Brief Summary
FOMO is driven by anxiety about missing social connections, not just events.
Key points
- Understanding FOMO. FOMO isn't just about missing events; it's about the connections made during them.




