Latest news with #FOBO
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Leaders Guide Teams Through FOBO In The AI Anxiety Era
Every headline about artificial intelligence capabilities, every automation announcement, every ... More discussion about the future of work comes with an undercurrent of existential anxiety. Every headline about artificial intelligence capabilities, every automation announcement, every discussion about the future of work comes with an undercurrent of existential anxiety that wasn't there just a few years ago. FOBO—the Fear of Becoming Obsolete—is the latest workplace contagion, and if you're honest, you may be feeling it yourself. Gallup research shows 22% of U.S. workers now worry that technological advancement will render them professionally obsolete, up from just 15% three years ago. But FOBO is an opportunity to lead through uncertainty in a way that unlocks creativity and allows new possibilities to emerge. Ironically, FOBO's original meaning itself has become obsolete. The author and entrepreneur Patrick McGinnis originally coined the acronym in 2004 as "Fear of Better Options,' a shorthand for the decision paralysis that comes from too many choices. The original Fear of Better Options was about what philosopher Alain de Botton called "status anxiety"—anxiety about not keeping up with social expectations. While these fears can cause genuine distress, the new Fear of Becoming Obsolete points toward something more primal, a threat closer to the foundation of our hierarchy of needs and about identity, purpose and survival. And if you're leading people right now, you've probably seen it manifesting in your teams in different ways: the usually confident team member who's suddenly resistant to new technology implementations, the high performer who's quietly started looking for jobs in "AI-proof" industries, or the person who's frantically signing up for every certification course available, sprinting hard but without clear direction. You're seeing it in other signals: the tightness in someone's shoulders during AI strategy meetings, the way conversations about automation shift the energy in the room, or how people's voices change when they talk about their future relevance. This is where your opportunity as a leader lies. The solution is helping people move from the contracted state of fear to the expanded state of creative engagement. As I've written about before, it's about embracing what the poet John Keats called "negative capability," the capacity to remain in uncertainty without rushing toward premature solutions. Embracing negative capability moves us beyond the fear of unknown and creates the conditions where creativity becomes possible in times of doubt. Here's what's happening physiologically when FOBO takes hold: your brain's ancient threat-detection system kicks in, flooding your body with stress hormones designed for physical dangers that no longer exist. The result? Those primitive "fight, flight, or freeze" responses that served our ancestors well against saber-toothed tigers become maladaptive strategies for navigating technological complexity. You've probably seen all three: Fight manifests as aggressive resistance to change—the person who argues against every new technological initiative, not because they have better ideas, but because the change itself feels threatening. Flight appears as strategic avoidance—talented people leaving industries or companies, not toward something better, but away from technological uncertainty. Freeze emerges as analysis paralysis—the leader who endlessly researches AI strategies but never moves forward, or the employee who stops contributing ideas because they're afraid of revealing their technological ignorance. These threat responses shut down precisely the cognitive functions we need most right now: creative thinking, complex problem-solving, and collaborative innovation. The irony is brutal—the fear of becoming irrelevant creates the very conditions that make us less adaptable. It can be tempting to respond to FOBO with decisive action—to make a plan and charge towards a goal, perhaps regaining a sense of control in the process. At a recent Hudson conference, organizațional leadership researcher and executive coach, Dr. Amanda Blake, warned us that 'pursuit' can mimic the physiological response of fight or flight, causing a similar state of hyperarousal and making us less creative and resilient. Instead, she challenged us to connect with our sense of emergence, wonder, and possibility in moments of uncertainty. As a leader, your primary job isn't to drive your team through the technological uncertainty. Your role is to help them navigate it with their full creative capacity intact. You're not just managing strategy; you're stewarding human potential through a period of change. Think about the last time you felt genuinely creative and alive at work. You weren't in fight-flight-freeze mode. You were probably relaxed but alert, curious rather than defensive, connected to others rather than isolated. That's the neurological state where innovation happens, and it's exactly what FOBO destroys. Your opportunity is to become skilled at recognizing when people are operating from threat responses and knowing how to guide them back to creative engagement. Amanda Blake's work reveals that we can't just think our way out of threat responses. We have to embody our way out. When someone is locked in FOBO, their posture often reflects it—shoulders raised, breathing shallow, jaw clenched. Their nervous system is primed for danger, not discovery. When people are stuck in threat responses, they literally can't access their prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for creative thinking. But conscious breathing can help to shift nervous system states within a few minutes. Coaching people to embrace negative capability is essential. When dealing with FOBO, it manifests as the ability to: Part of what's needed is narrating uncertainty effectively. Instead of binary communication ("We either know what AI will do to our jobs or we don't"), try more nuanced framing: "Here's what we know with high confidence about these technological changes, what we know with medium confidence, and what remains genuinely unclear." This creates permission to not have all the answers while maintaining forward momentum. There are three invitations leaders can offer their direct reports: People feeling FOBO fixate on what they might lose. Your job is to consistently redirect attention toward what they might create, discover, or become. Instead of asking "How do we protect ourselves from AI disruption?" try "What becomes possible for us as humans when AI handles routine tasks?" This all requires strategic patience, creating reflective space rather than rushing toward solutions. When teams are grappling with technological uncertainty, resist pressure to immediately resolve every question. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is allocate thinking time or structured periods where the goal isn't immediate resolution but depth of understanding. You'll know you're succeeding when you see the shift from fear-based to growth-based responses in your people: Instead of defensive resistance, you'll see curious engagement with new technologies. Instead of desperate pivoting, you'll see thoughtful skill development. Instead of isolation and anxiety, you'll see collaborative exploration of emerging possibilities. The person who was frantically collecting certifications starts asking deeper questions about how to apply their learning. The team member who was avoiding AI tools begins experimenting with how they might enhance rather than replace their work. The leader who was paralyzed by technological complexity starts making informed decisions about which innovations to pursue. This isn't about eliminating fear—some healthy concern about the future is adaptive. It's about helping people engage with uncertainty from a place of strength rather than weakness, creativity rather than reactivity. Your greatest contribution as a leader isn't having all the answers about technology. It's helping people access their own creative responses to an uncertain future. The question isn't "How do we avoid becoming obsolete?" The question is "How do we help people flourish as distinctly human contributors in an increasingly technological world?"
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Workplace Wellbeing: Embracing AI's work-enhancing capabilities to help us work smarter
There's a new sense of anxiety in the workplace. It's called FOBO, the fear of becoming obsolete, it's the worry that artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies will eventually make us all redundant. A 2024 survey of 14,000 workers in 14 countries found that half believed their skills would no longer be required in five years. Another study last year reported 46% of employees in the US feared machines would perform their jobs within the next five years, with another 29% expecting to be superseded even sooner. In Ireland, Government research revealed that approximately 30% of employees worked in occupations at risk of being replaced by technology. Historically, such concerns might have been limited to factory workers, but the research shows that modern-day FOBO affects almost everyone, including those working in finance, insurance, information technology, and communications. 'Almost all businesses, from the smallest start-ups to the largest organisations, are using AI-driven technology now,' says Maryrose Lyons, founder of the AI Institute, which runs training programmes. 'It's impacting most careers. The main ways are through generating content and ideas, automating repetitive administrative tasks and enhanced data analysis.' Realising that AI has infiltrated their workplace in these ways unsettles some people, making them question their professional significance. According to career and counselling psychologist Sinéad Brady, it can undermine their sense of identity. While we cannot predict how AI will develop or be integrated into the workplace, Lyons argues that it is an accessible tool for most in its current format. 'For many of us, what we do at work plays an important part in how we see ourselves and how we imagine others see us,' she says. 'If we think that a machine or computer programme can do what we do, we can begin to doubt our own value. This doubt can cause huge anxiety.' The ever-escalating pace of change can further exacerbate this anxiety. 'We all have a different capacity for change,' says the work and organisational psychologist Leisha Redmond McGrath. 'Some love it while others prefer stability. But what's true for most of us is that we cope better with change if we feel we have some control over it. It's when we believe there's nothing we can do — that change is a wave coming at us, but we don't know when or how it will hit — that we feel most fearful.' Face up to FOBO So, what can we control when it comes to FOBO? Brady suggests facing the fear and reframing how we perceive this new technology. 'We've done it before,' she says. 'Many of us were afraid of computers when they were first introduced to the workplace, but we faced that fear. 'When Word and Excel, for example, took away some aspects of some jobs, they didn't make us obsolete. We learned to use them as tools in our work. We can do the same with AI.' While we cannot predict how AI will develop or be integrated into the workplace, Lyons argues that it is an accessible tool for most in its current format. 'Just as you learned to master the likes of Excel, Outlook, and other software platforms when you first entered the workforce, you now have to learn AI,' she says. 'The American professor Ethan Mollick, a leading academic who studies the effects of AI on work, estimates that it takes an average of 10 hours of using AI tools before they start to come naturally.' Brady points out that AI can enhance productivity and performance. Maryrose Lyons: 'If AI frees up six extra hours in your week, use them to engage in critical thinking, researching and coming up with ideas or building relationships with other humans, none of which AI can do." 'By removing the need for some tasks, it gives us extra time for more challenging creative work,' she says. 'These days, I use AI to spellcheck and edit documents. When preparing talks, I ask it to present me with a counterargument so that I can address those points in my talk. 'Using AI in these ways makes me quicker and better at my job than someone who isn't using it.' Brady also encourages us to concentrate on the human skills that AI will never replicate: 'I don't think AI will ever be able to communicate effectively, think creatively, or critically solve problems,' she says. 'A good tactic to counter FOBO would be to lean into those aspects of our work.' Lyons gives some examples of how this might work in practice. 'If AI frees up six extra hours in your week, use them to engage in critical thinking, researching and coming up with ideas or building relationships with other humans, none of which AI can do,' she says. 'Have more off-site meetings with clients or sit down with an AI tool to brainstorm new ideas.' Fight or flight For those who are overcome by FOBO, despite the reassurances, Redmond McGrath looks at the psychological reasons behind it. 'It's terrifying to think you could lose your job and not have money to pay bills,' she says. 'If you identify with your work, it can feel threatening to learn that you might be usurped by technology. There's something called amygdala hijack that can occur when we experience threat in this way. 'A primitive part of our brain is activated, and we go into fight or flight mode, which can make us more sensitive and less rational.' Leisha Redmond McGrath: "'It's terrifying to think you could lose your job and not have money to pay bills." To prevent such negative reactions to FOBO, she suggests focusing on the 'building blocks' of wellbeing. 'Make sure you get enough rest, sleep, movement, and exercise,' she says. 'Eat well. Spend time on your relationships with others and with yourself. Connecting with nature or something bigger than yourself will give you a sense of perspective. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone about it. It will calm your nervous system and you'll be more likely to figure out more rational and proactive ways of responding to FOBO, especially if you're someone whose sense of identity and purpose has been bound by your work.' Talking to coworkers means you might also learn what they are doing to adapt to technology. 'Instead of trying to figure out the way forward on your own, which is daunting, or putting your head in the sand, which isn't advisable, finding out what others are doing and how employers and professional bodies are supporting people like you to retrain could help you capitalise on the positive benefits of technology,' says Redmond McGrath. Don't be afraid to ask younger colleagues for support, too. Having grown up with technology, Redmond McGrath says they are often better able to use it and will likely be happy to share their expertise with you. Career and counselling psychologist Sinéad Brady: 'Ask ChatGPT to do something small and inconsequential for you. That could be the entry point that gets you over your initial fear.' Whatever you do, try not to be afraid of technology. 'It's just a tool and it's possible to play with it,' says Brady. 'Ask ChatGPT to do something small and inconsequential for you. That could be the entry point that gets you over your initial fear.' While noting the many benefits, Brady strikes a note of caution. 'The information it provides you with is based on data that isn't always accurate and that can be biased,' she says. 'AI and all modern technology are only ever as good as the information fed to them, which is why we should always question it for accuracy, assess it for quality, and not rely on it too much.' Despite AI's limitations, Lyons urges people to to overcome their FOBO and explore what it offers. 'There are so many tools that are being used in all sorts of jobs and they are changing how people work for the better,' she says. 'It could be career-ending to ignore these tools. My advice is to engage and find out how this new technology can help us perform better and gain more satisfaction from our work.'
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chris Taylor uncovers quirky nicknames Brits give to their body parts
Chris Taylor and Grime Gran, aka Margie, have been out and about, speaking to Brits about their quirky body part nicknames in a bid to break down taboos TV personality Chris Taylor and content creator Grime Gran, aka Margie, have been out and about, speaking to Brits about their quirky body part nicknames. From "footsies" to "trotters" and everything in between, Chris chatted with people across London to find out the unusual—and often hilarious—terms they use when referring to certain parts of their anatomy. The playful chat formed part of a recent research commissioned by Sure Whole Body Deodorant which revealed four in ten Brits often feel embarrassed about the smell of their body parts, with areas other than their armpits likely to leave them feeling the most self-conscious. Among some of the nicknames uncovered in the research were light-hearted terms like "tummy" for a stomach (used by 40% of Brits) and "food baby" (14%). When it comes to feet, those in the South were likely to call them "footsies" (30%), while Northerners opt for "trotters" (25%). While 49% say these nicknames are just for a laugh, 30% use them to feel more comfortable with their bodies, and one in 10 give them nicknames in a bid to mask the embarrassment. 'I've been in my fair share of sweaty situations – and it definitely helps to break the tension by using a nickname," Chris said. 'Having chatted to Londoners, it's clear we all get embarrassed when we don't feel fresh.' Seven out of ten are concerned about body odour in areas other than their underarms, a worry dubbed 'FOBO' (Fear of Body Odour), and the research revealed that women were more likely to be concerned about this more than me. But overall, most people avoid standing close to others, hugging loved ones, or becoming intimate with a partner when they're worried about body odours. Alice Duffill, representing Sure Whole Body Deodorant, which utilises odour adapt technology to combat various types of body odours, stated: "Our research shows Brits have a cheeky sense of humour when it comes to their own bodies. "But these playful nicknames aren't just for fun as they also help people speak more confidently about their bodies. "Our research found that nearly half of Brits admit to fearing B.O. as a result of sweating, so we're proud to launch a UK-first product to help Brits feel confident in their bodies."
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
You've Heard Of FOMO, But What Is 'FOBO'? Here's How To Spot This Damaging Issue.
The concept of FOMO is widely known these days. This term for 'the fear of missing out' even made it into dictionaries starting in 2013. But fewer people are familiar with a related and similarly potent force: FOBO. If you're someone who agonizes over every big and small decision (even after the choice has been made), then you're probably well acquainted with the experience of FOBO. That doesn't mean it's a good thing, however. Below, experts break down the definition and mental health implications of FOBO ― and share their advice for keeping it at bay. 'FOBO, or fear of a better option, is the anxiety that something better will come along, which makes it undesirable to commit to existing choices when making a decision,' author and venture capitalist Patrick McGinnis told HuffPost. 'This specifically refers to decisions where there are perfectly acceptable options in front of us, yet we struggle to choose just one.' McGinnis coined the term FOBO, as well as FOMO, back in 2004 when he was a student at Harvard Business School and wrote an article titled 'Social Theory at HBS: McGinnis' Two FOs.' He believes that FOBO is 'an affliction of abundance.' Our on-demand world overwhelms us with seemingly endless choices, thus compelling us to keep all our options open and hedge our bets. 'It's that nagging feeling that makes you hesitate or downright freeze up when faced with a decision, especially if there are several options available, worried that a better ― or even perfect ― choice might be out there and come along at any second,' said life coach and entrepreneur Tomas Svitorka. 'Whether it's picking something from the menu at a restaurant, choosing a vacation spot or, in more serious cases, deciding on a life partner, FOBO thrives on the question: 'What if there's something even better out there?'' This extreme risk aversion leads to overanalyzing and procrastinating ― the point of potentially never making an actual decision. Basically, it's a recipe for indecision and 'analysis paralysis' as people draw out the process of making choices and hesitate to commit. 'As a result, you live in a world of maybes, stringing yourself and others along,' McGinnis explained. 'Rather than assessing your options, choosing one, and moving on with your day, you delay the inevitable. It's not unlike hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock only to pull the covers over your head and fall back asleep … over and over and over.' 'FOBO is a serious problem that can inflict far more damage than FOMO,' McGinnis noted. 'Unlike FOMO, which is largely an internal struggle that mostly hurts you, the costs of FOBO aren't just borne by you, they are also imposed on those around you.' People with FOBO tend to alienate their friends, families, business associates and potential romantic partners because people eventually lose faith that they will actually ever make a decision. 'When you treat your life like a Tinder feed, swiping with reckless abandon without ever committing to any of the potential options, you send a clear and unambiguous message to everyone else: You are the ultimate holdout,' McGinnis said. 'You won't set a clear course or commit to a plan of action. Instead, you will let the possibilities pile up and only make a decision when it suits you, likely at the last minute, if at all.' The concept of FOBO is based in what he described as 'an erroneous belief that the longer we look, the more options we will have, and this will somehow lead to a better outcome.' However, there's no way to guarantee that, and instead, people may will wait so long they actually start to lose good options and end up wishing they had made a choice sooner. 'FOBO usually shows up as an endless pros and cons list running in your head,' Svitorka said. 'Of course, thinking through major decisions is not a bad thing. One should take time and make the right choice. However, when FOBO gets involved, this doesn't happen, and we keep running back and forth, unable to decide, usually for that elusive 'what if.'' Another cause of FOBO is simply the growing number of options that people have access to in our modern world. 'For example, you know you want to listen to a podcast, and when you go to search for something captivating, you are presented with thousands of topics and episodes,' said licensed marriage and family therapist Becky Stuempfig. 'Or you need a new toothbrush and you head toward the toothbrush aisle to find 50 different types of toothbrushes, all with different features and price points. Many people experience this with food shopping. For example, you're looking for peanut butter and you're faced with countless options: Creamy? Crunchy? No stir? Organic? Salted? Nonsalted?' She noted that FOBO reaches the point of becoming a problem more often in people living privileged lives with access to more opportunities. Still, anyone can experience it to some extent. 'It is a normal and healthy reaction to feel exhausted by what feels like an endless amount of options for almost every decision that needs to be made, often causing decision fatigue,' Stuempfig said. 'While some degree of this is within a normal, expected range, it can become damaging to someone's mental health when it prevents forward progress on life issues.' FOBO can be contagious as well, she added. If you develop a pattern of avoidance at work, you might find yourself following a similar path when it comes to household decisions or family matters. And certain experiences or backgrounds might lead to severe FOBO. 'A person may have a pre-existing anxiety disorder, a traumatic history that they attribute to a wrong decision, or it can be learned behavior from their family of origin,' said Racine Henry, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Constantly second-guessing yourself and living in limbo causes stress, exhaustion and anxiety. Meanwhile, the idea of feeling peace and contentment with your life and choices can become an elusive dream. 'Mentally, FOBO can contribute to anxiety and depression, as the constant search for better options prevents individuals from fully enjoying their present circumstances,' said psychologist Patricia Dixon. 'This mindset fosters dissatisfaction and can erode self-trust, leading to procrastination and indecisiveness. In relationships, this fear can hinder personal growth and connection. ' FOBO can wreak havoc on things that were once a source of joy. You might have enjoyed reading novels, but constantly struggling to choose your next book sucks the enjoyment out of the experience. The affliction manifests in many ways. 'FOBO can lead to an anxiety or personality disorder developing, the symptoms could result in loss of appetite and sleep, which could lead to physical illnesses,' Henry said. 'Additionally, there could be loss of opportunity or relationship if the decision to be made is about taking a job or accepting a marriage proposal, for example.' 'To combat FOBO, it's essential to shift your mindset about choices,' Dixon said. 'Embrace the idea that your decisions may be the best for the moment, even if alternatives arise later.' Rather than viewing other options as inherently better, she recommended recognizing them as simply different. This perspective can encourage you to make decisions and own them instead of waiting for something better. And remember that you can always pivot and adapt in the future as new options emerge. Dixon also pointed to the role of social media in exacerbating FOBO by fostering a culture of constant comparisons and a sense that there are always endless better options. 'To break this cycle, it's crucial to cultivate self-trust and listen to your instincts,' she said. 'Often, the allure of 'the grass being greener' is a facade that distracts us from appreciating the value of our current choices.' If you feel like the anxiety and stress related to FOBO are consuming your life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Counseling can also help you work through big decisions. 'Besides going to therapy, other possible solutions could look like involving others who you trust to weigh in on your decision or creating a plan for both sides of the decision to be made,' Henry suggested. 'Really ask yourself 'what could I be losing/gaining?', 'what if the better option comes along?', 'does this current decision have to be permanent?', 'can I afford to not take this job?'' Svitorka similarly advised assessing the risk and reversibility of making choices. Keep in mind that most decisions aren't permanent. 'You might be surprised how often you can course-correct,' Svitorka said. 'If the pizza topping wasn't as magical as you hoped, well, there's always next time. Even with bigger things like jobs, if the job offer turns out to be less dreamy than promised, well, you can look for another job. It wasn't going to be your last job anyway.' He also recommended creating your own predetermined rules, like always opt for the healthier dish or slightly cheaper cocktail when overwhelmed by menus. Considering your long-term vision and values ― like living a healthy lifestyle and saving money ― and making decisions in accordance with those can help you feel more confident. Don't be afraid to sample different options over time, too. Rather than ruminating in your head, get out there and be brave enough to just try things. You'll get a better sense of what's right for you. And when in doubt, just trust your gut. 'Our subconscious can piece together more than we realize from small cues, giving us that subtle nudge,' Svitorka said. 'If you sense a 'pull' toward one choice (or a sense of unease), listen to it.' Flipping a coin can also be helpful, he added. Pay attention to how you feel before you look at the result ― do you hope it lands on heads? What about your reaction when you see the answer? Do you wish it had been tails? These feelings may point to your actual decision. For higher stakes decisions, Stuempfig suggested consulting with supportive loved ones, specifically an odd number of people to break any ties. At the very least, the exercise can help create forward momentum. 'To counteract FOBO, the key is to simplify,' she said. 'I encourage people to consider simplifying their options at the very beginning of the decision-making process by distilling options down to two to three options. From there, the next step is changing the mindset from expecting no future regrets to allowing a small amount of regret, knowing that a small amount of regret is part of making a choice rather than a reflection of a poor decision.' It's unreasonable to expect a decision to come with no regrets or that you will know with 100% certainty that it's the 'right' choice. Living with a little uncertainty is just part of the luxury of having lots of options. 'When faced with decisions, it can be helpful to come up with a nonjudgmental, compassionate mantra,' Stuempfig said, offering an example: 'I am grateful for so many options and know that I am exactly where I need to be at this moment in time. I am capable of making this choice and have the skills necessary to handle any possible outcome of my choice.' How To Say No To Social Invitations Without Getting FOMO Feeling Irrationally Upset Over Little Things? Here's What You Should Do. How To Fight The Urge To Always Make Everything About Yourself
