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FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions) Is a Thing

FOPO, or Fear of Other People’s Opinions, is a term used to describe an excessive concern or anxiety about what others think or feel about oneself.

Libby Winkler
4 min readMar 28, 2024
Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash

FOPO, or Fear of Other People’s Opinions, is a term for excessive concern or anxiety about what others think or feel about oneself.

It’s a psychological phenomenon that can significantly impact an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being.

People experiencing FOPO often find themselves constantly worrying about how they are perceived by others, seeking validation and approval from external sources. This fear can manifest in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, social interactions, work, and even online presence.

Some common signs and symptoms of FOPO may include:

1. Overthinking: Individuals with FOPO tend to overanalyze their actions and words, constantly worrying about how others will perceive them.

2. Avoidance: Fear of criticism or judgment may lead individuals to avoid certain situations or interactions to minimize the risk of negative feedback.

3. Perfectionism: There’s often a strong desire to appear flawless in the eyes of…

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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