Shiny object syndrome, or SOS, is a state of distraction created by the impression that there is something new to pursue and to concentrate on the newest, trendy concept, regardless of how beneficial or useful it may end up being. When we experience something different or exhilarating the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is part of the brain’s reward system, is produced. The “high” this produces pushes us to pursue the new thing, even if it is at the price of long-term objectives.
Manifestation of SOS in your personal life can be characterised by constantly switching between hobbies, jumping between DIY projects but never finishing one, and failing to invest deeply in connections due to an ongoing search for something “better” or “more exciting”.
SOS is rooted in impulsivity. If we take an executive perspective, impulsivity is a key factor in entrepreneurial success and artistic genius. However, you can soon lose control or, as we’ve said, become distracted by yet another ‘shiny’ object before making any significant progress.
There is value in investigating whether anything that has recently popped on the radar could have substantial implications . When a new technology, feature, or trend emerges, it’s important to evaluate its possible impact. Nobody wants to miss the next social media or security protocol that is about to take the globe by storm. However, this evaluation should not be at the price of the previously agreed-upon approach.
The issue with giving in to shiny object syndrome is that it never goes away. As soon as you start working on your new shiny object, another might arise. SOS is frequently glamorised, making it more difficult to resist, particularly in a culture or community that values creativity and speed.
Shiny object syndrome might cause you to lose focus, which is one of its main risks. By hopping from one trend to another, you overstretch yourself rather than sticking to the fundamental idea. This inconsistency eventually produces subpar outcomes.
Additionally, each time you invest in a new idea, you have to devote time, money, and energy into learning and putting it into practice. You’re wasting precious resources that could have been used to enhance your present procedure if you’re often changing gears. This results in problems with productivity, which slows growth. Instead of becoming an expert in a particular skill or field, there is a shallow engagement with all the areas that you are spreading yourself over.
The phenomenon fosters short-term thinking. It leads you to assume that short-term solutions, rather than sustained work and expertise, are the key to success. This kind of thinking can keep you from creating long-lasting methods that provide real outcomes.
Burnout can also result from the never-ending cycle of seeking out fresh concepts. You never give yourself a chance to relax when you’re constantly in “start-up mode”—learning new things, trying out new tactics, and dropping old initiatives. This imbalance can lead to further stress and anxiety since it is emotionally and cognitively draining.
Those with a fear of missing out are more likely to be distracted by shiny objects.
FOMO, or the fear of missing out, as you can tell from the name, is the idea that you are missing out and people are experiencing better things or are having more fun than you. Although it typically shows up when you see or feel these characteristics in people you love and are close to, it can also occur in parasocial interactions. When you see people you don’t know but follow on social media doing incredible things you wish you were doing, it can have a lasting impact on your sense of self-worth. While social media may be the primary source of FOMO, it is not the only factor. FOMO may happen to anybody, anywhere, at any time.
According to behavioural theory, the fear of missing out arises from a desire to connect with others or gather information. This feeling of absence is followed by a desire or need to communicate socially in order to strengthen ties. Fear of missing out has been linked to poor psychological impacts; such as decreased mood and life satisfaction.
According to the self-determination theory, humans have three core psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Study participants who had lower levels of basic psychological fulfilment reported higher degrees of FOMO. FOMO caused poor social and emotional experiences, including boredom and loneliness.
SOS and FOMO frequently reinforce one another, resulting in a vicious cycle. FOMO encourages you to chase trends or chances, which leads to SOS. SOS leaves you dissatisfied or scattered, which exacerbates FOMO since you feel like you’re not “in the loop” or accomplishing enough. Together, they can create a vicious cycle of seeking something new while feeling constantly unfulfilled.
While these tendencies are frequently seen negatively, there are instances in which they can be advantageous. For example, FOMO can encourage you to take advantage of opportunities or try new things that you might not otherwise consider. SOS can lead to innovation because it promotes exploration and discovery.
When managed properly, both can challenge you outside of your comfort zone and make life intriguing without jeopardising your ambitions. Understanding and controlling SOS and FOMO requires self-awareness, prioritisation, and mindfulness. Recognising these tendencies allows you to direct your energy constructively while remaining focused on what is important.
