Is FOMO fuelling the rise of pickleball?

Free Malaysia Today

17 hours ago

Pickleball, a fast-paced hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has exploded in popularity across the country. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : If you're an avid social media user, chances are you've come across videos of friends, or even celebrities, playing pickleball – the paddle sport that combines elements of ping-pong, badminton and tennis.
Of late, the popularity of this activity has been skyrocketing, and even those who previously had little interest in sports have seemingly become ardent players. Could the psychological phenomenon known as FOMO – or 'fear of missing out' – be at work here?
Psychologist Norezzati Hanafiah believes that FOMO – often associated with social pressure or unhealthy lifestyle habits – can actually be used positively, such as by encouraging individuals to lead more active lifestyles.
From a psychological perspective, this drive is closely tied to the human instinct to be accepted within a social group, which is essential for emotional well-being. As such, in the context of pickleball or other light sports, FOMO can become a positive motivator.
'One might start as a spectator, then develop an interest in trying it out, which can become a turning point towards adopting a healthier lifestyle. If handled properly, FOMO can spark healthy habits that spread widely within a community,' she said.
Norezzati Hanafiah.
Beyond physical benefits, pickleball also contributes to mental health through its relaxed and fun social aspects — enhancing mood, providing ongoing motivation, and offering social therapy for those dealing with work stress or burnout.
According to Norezzati, the approach to health promotion is evolving, with a greater focus on the 'fun-first' concept, as seen in pickleball. This makes physical activities more enjoyable and effective than approaches that emphasise aesthetics or weight loss.
'When an activity is seen as fun rather than a burden, people are more likely to stick with it. This makes a healthy lifestyle something to enjoy rather than something one is forced into,' she stressed.
Norezzati added that social media plays a major role in spreading the pickleball trend, and creating a sense of normalisation that encourages more people to try the sport without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.