The Mechanics of FOPO: Anticipation, Checking, and Responding

FOPO, or the fear of other people's opinions, comprises three main phases. The anticipation phase involves internal deliberation before social interactions, focusing on seeking approval and avoiding rejection. The checking phase occurs during the interaction, characterized by constantly assessing and seeking reassurance on the relationship's status without self-abandonment. The responding phase involves immediate adjustments in behavior upon sensing potential rejection, such as conforming or confronting to seek approval. These phases highlight the dynamics of FOPO in managing acceptance and rejection in social interactions.