 "FOFO, short for the fear of finding out, is essentially a psychological roadblock. It’s what stops someone from digging deeper into a potential problem because they’re terrified of what they might discover. Image for Representation")
Most of us know what Fomo feels like, that anxious buzz that everyone else is doing something exciting while we’re left out. But there’s another, much more sneaky, kind of fear that many people are struggling with today, and it has nothing to do with missing out.
It’s the fear of finding out, or Fofo, a worry so real that people avoid checking their health reports, opening bank statements, or even reading a difficult email. Instead of facing uncomfortable information, many prefer not to know at all.
As conversations around mental health grow, Fofo is now being recognised as a surprisingly common emotional response. And experts say it’s becoming more widespread, especially in a world filled with constant pressure, bad news cycles, and overwhelming responsibilities.
So what exactly is Fofo, where did the term come from, and how do you deal with a fear that makes you want to stay in the dark?
What exactly is Fofo?
Fofo, short for the fear of finding out, is essentially a psychological roadblock. It’s what stops someone from digging deeper into a potential problem because they’re terrified of what they might discover.
In everyday life, Fofo can look like avoiding meaningful conversations with someone who matters, putting off legal or regulatory issues you know need attention, or delaying important system upgrades because you suspect the problems run deeper.
It also shows up when someone refuses to revisit a strategy that clearly isn’t working, or avoids constructive feedback even though it could help them grow.
These habits may seem small, but Fofo can create real damage, at home, at work, and in relationships.
Where did the term come from?
The idea of Fofo first surfaced in the medical world. Researchers used it to describe people who were too scared to seek medical advice, even when they were unwell.
This fear is more common than we think. An American survey cited by TIME found that three out of five adults avoid recommended medical screenings because they’re afraid of receiving embarrassing or difficult results.
Another survey highlighted a worrying drop in routine check-ups, only 51 per cent of adults went in for screenings in 2025, a 10 per cent fall from the previous year.
Over time, the concept expanded far beyond healthcare. Fofo is now used to explain all kinds of avoidance behaviour, whether it’s personal, professional, financial, or emotional.
Why does Fofo happen?
Like many things, it stems from anxiety. “It’s an attempt to control an uncertain situation,” psychologist Lynn Bufka told Elle. Avoiding what scares us offers a temporary sense of relief, even if it creates bigger problems later.
FOFO can also be driven by past negative medical experiences, the fear of a diagnosis that carries stigma (like an STI), a general fear of doctors, known as iatrophobia, or simply the dread of having to undergo treatment.
Also read: Embracing the Joy of Missing Out: How to ditch ‘fomo’ and foster ‘jomo’
How can you overcome Fofo?
Experts say one of the first steps is to weigh the pros and cons of getting a particular test versus avoiding it. The advantages might include catching a medical condition early and treating it. The drawback, of course, is confronting the anxiety of a possible positive result.
“In the long run, the pros of getting the test outweigh the cons,” Jonathan Abramowitz, a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told TIME.
But, as he points out, “as human beings, we tend to do what makes us feel better in the short term,” which is why many people keep delaying screenings.
If you’re someone who keeps putting things off, it helps to examine why. Abramowitz said that people often underestimate their own ability to cope: “If you’re worried that if the results are positive and what that would mean, you may be underestimating your ability to manage it.”
Lynn Bufka, a psychologist and head of practice at the American Psychological Association, told the magazine that it is important to ask yourself whether fear or anxiety should be making your decisions for you. She suggests reflecting on questions like: What will happen if I keep avoiding this? Is the risk worth it? How will I feel about this decision a year from now?
“Facing the fear helps us make choices that are more in line with our values,” she told the outlet.
with input from agencies