FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is considered a cognitive bias because it represents a systematic pattern of deviation from rational judgment and decision-making. People experiencing FOMO tend to base their decisions on the perceived rewarding experiences of others rather than their own actual needs, desires, or rational evaluation. This can lead to impulsive actions and feelings of inadequacy as individuals constantly compare themselves to others and fear missing out on social interactions, novel experiences, or opportunities. Thus, FOMO reflects an error in thinking that affects judgments by making people irrationally driven by social fears and comparisons rather than objective reasoning or realistic assessment of situations.

Cognitively, FOMO stems from our social nature and the intrinsic motivation to relate, stay connected, and avoid social exclusion, but it deviates from rationality by triggering negative emotions and decisions influenced by perceived social pressure rather than logical evaluation. This deviation characterizes it as a cognitive bias.

In summary, FOMO qualifies as a cognitive bias because it systematically skews judgment and decision-making through an emotional and irrational fear of missing out on potentially rewarding social experiences.