Caterina Fake, a tech entrepreneur and investor, sparked a conversation about anxiety and the feeling of missing out in 2011. The term FOMO, short for fear of losing, started as a casual blog idea and quickly spread across social media. It appeared in lifestyle coverage and found a home in dictionaries a couple of years later. Soon after, Anıl Dash, another technology founder and blogger, contributed his own perspective when he welcomed a new chapter in life, dubbing the related idea JOMO, or the joy of missing out. This paradoxical pair of terms has traveled far beyond niche circles, shaping how people think about culture, media, and engagement in daily life, even as the core feelings behind them remain relevant.
These expressions may seem almost playful, yet they carry a clear marketing rhythm. They reflect real emotions about shared cultural experiences and the drive to participate or opt out. The tension between taking part in popular culture and stepping back from the noise continues to resonate. Early in February, cultural commentator and writer Ainhoa Marzol captured a growing sentiment in his newsletter about the internet’s appetite for content. He observed a rising appreciation for anti-FOMO and the quiet satisfaction of seeing others align with something you might not chase. This line of thought traces back to remarks in EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA from the Prensa Ibérica group, highlighting how some audiences question the need to attend every event or consume every talking point when the broader cultural ecosystem is so relentlessly marketed.
Public voices across the cultural sector echo this stance. In a recent digital-audio feature on literature, Andrea Toribio and Aloma Rodríguez discussed resisting editorial innovations when possible, arguing that following a personal reading instinct supports bibliodiversity. The idea is that quality exists outside a packed agenda of highlights. Rodríguez notes an unrealistic sense of abundance in mainstream discourse and cautions that press releases or enthusiastic endorsements may inflate the sense of abundance, suggesting that only a small portion of new releases reach lasting significance.
As Martín Gaite remarked, there is weariness with constant relevance. If staying current becomes an obligation, where is the genuine curiosity?
Andrea Toribio, affiliated with a major publishing group, observes the daily pressure to catalog titles mentally. The emotional toll is real for those who navigate a rhythm of quick reads and rapid turnover. For some, the persistence of scrolling through news and covers creates fatigue. Yet the impulse to seek meaningful reading choices endures, and many prefer to pause and savor moments rather than rush through everything new. The sentiment is to read what truly matters when it matters, rather than chasing every headline.
Toribio also describes a tension between staying immersed in the stream of new releases and allowing space for slower, more deliberate engagement. For some, the answer lies in stepping back from the constant flow of ideas and letting time reveal what deserves attention. This stance can be challenging in a world that prizes speed, but it is increasingly embraced by readers who want a calmer, more intentional approach to culture.
Rodríguez appreciates the broad range of media available today, from films and series to memes and conversations on social platforms. He recalls a moment of shared cultural reference where a joke about a popular show required someone to explain the context, underscoring how quickly references propagate and how audiences interpret them differently. The conversation turns on why some content endures while other pieces fade, highlighting the subjective nature of cultural relevance.
The health-care journalist Javier Pulido describes embracing JOMO with a sense of relief. He notes how stepping away from social noise can restore energy and clarity. After resisting two ubiquitous streaming options on social feeds, he measured the time spent and found happiness in choosing what truly entertains without pressure. His current routine favors reading comics, watching films, and exploring books or documentaries that feel timely or timeless, without rushing to finish them. The plan is to share discoveries the next day, keeping the pace human and enjoyable.
culture and the economics of attention
If the ongoing renewal of offerings helps explain the move from FOMO to cultural JOMO, questions arise about the real benefits for creators and audiences. Do platforms and producers primarily chase attention, or do new features genuinely enhance the viewing or reading experience? A high-profile example is the large sums paid to secure classic series for streaming, underscoring the long tail of nostalgia and audience demand. Some executives emphasize that access to beloved titles may be more about sustaining interest than immediate subscriber growth, even when data on viewership remains guarded.
A recent case involves a legendary title added to a streaming catalog, which met strong audience interest and discussion. Platform editors explain that the decision was not solely about subscriber numbers but about the broader appeal and cultural conversation around the title, including remastered versions that enhance the viewing experience. This illustrates how cultural consumption often balances affection for legacy content with new formats and delivery methods.
Industry observers note that annual reports from book and media groups reflect a saturated market. Data from trade associations shows many titles sell in modest quantities, yet the ecosystem still supports a vibrant life for those niche works that meet a devoted reader base. The challenge for smaller publishers remains the difficulty of predicting what will catch on while preserving the integrity of individual titles.
Editors and publishers discuss strategies to avoid overloading readers with novelty. They describe a preference for sustainable catalogs that emphasize quality over sheer volume, ensuring that each title has a meaningful place. The aim is to cultivate a steady stream of well-chosen works that resonate with readers over time, rather than chasing fleeting trends.
In a final reflection, publishers celebrate the resilience of slower, more thoughtful models. The sense that certain books and authors endure is a reminder that culture thrives when there is space for depth and discovery, even as the pace of media continues to accelerate. The ultimate goal remains clear: to nurture reading and viewing that enriches the lives of real people who crave stories that endure.