FOMO is a pervasive anxiety that others might be having rewarding experiences that a person is absent from.

Parasocial relationships and FOMO are both expressions of a psychological need for relatedness and connection.

FOMO can lead to excessive social media use, financial and relationship stress, and lower sense of well-being.

Mindfulness and bolstering self-esteem and interpersonal relationships are protective factors against FOMO.

Being a fan and fear of missing out—that distressing feeling that you’re left out of something wonderful, something that other fans are enjoying—can go hand in hand. Fans may find themselves at risk for FOMO this summer as Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday heads to Comic-Con, Major League Baseball begins the trek to the World Series, and performers from Ariana Grande to K-pop supergroup BTS hit the road for concert tours.

By definition, fans are passionate about someone or something; it makes sense that those emotional attachments would be compelling. A recent study in the journal Psychology of Popular Media found that both parasocial relationships and the accompanying FOMO can inspire fan behavior that may be highly enjoyable but can sometimes have negative consequences (Maxwell, Tefertiller, and Neese, 2026).

Parasocial Relationships

Fans develop parasocial relationships with their favorite celebrities, bands, and sports teams. While these relationships are one-sided—the celebrity normally does not know the fan exists—they nevertheless produce strong emotional attachments. Marketing teams and celebrities cultivate these relationships to ensure that fans purchase tickets to events and buy as much merchandise as they can afford—or maybe more.

Parasocial relationships are attachment-based; they elicit a desire for as much proximity as possible, whether that’s attending a concert or football game in person or interacting with the celebrity and other fans online. Parasocial relationships, while initially viewed as pathological, can have positive effects—fans find enjoyment as well as inspiration to participate in social goals. A parasocial relationship can also be a point of reference in an individual’s identity development, with admiration leading to emulation.

FOMO has also been associated with fandom. FOMO can be viewed as a temporary state that sets off anxiety about missing out or as a more stable personality........

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