Fear of Being Included (FOBI): The Secret Epidemic Plaguing Modern Hermits

By: The Unseen Observer
Exclusive to Conderman.group News

While society fixates on the anxiety-inducing Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), a growing counter-movement has emerged from the shadows. These individuals shun group texts, decline party invitations, and see any attempt at inclusion as a grave threat to their carefully curated solitude. Welcome to the world of FOBI: the Fear of Being Included.

FOBI sufferers live in constant dread that someone, somewhere, might involve them in a community event, group activity, or worse—a surprise birthday party. The mere thought of coordinated human interaction is enough to send chills down their spines. In an era of endless Zoom calls and invasive social media tagging, these brave souls battle an invisible enemy: forced participation.

The Warning Signs of FOBI

Dr. Greta Recluse, a leading researcher on extreme introversion and covert anti-social behavior, outlines the key symptoms:

Shiver-Inducing Invitations: The sight of a calendar notification prompts an immediate search for a plausible excuse.
Strategic Offline Hours: They master the art of “unreachable zones” by conveniently losing internet access during peak event-planning times.
Tag Avoidance: A visceral reaction to being tagged in a photo or added to a group chat.
The Cloak of Invisibility: A preference for neutral clothing that helps them blend into crowds to avoid eye contact—the gateway to unwanted small talk.

The Science Behind the Solitude

Experts believe FOBI is rooted in an evolutionary instinct to avoid tribal obligations. While our ancient ancestors thrived in groups, there was always one proto-human grunting, “Ugh, not another cave meeting.” FOBI warriors are their direct descendants, opting for isolation to preserve their inner peace.

“Inclusion often involves expectations,” says Dr. Recluse. “FOBI sufferers find these expectations oppressive. It’s not just the pressure to show up—it’s the horror of being asked to bring a casserole or participate in a trust fall.”

The Rise of the FOBI Underground

Conderman.group News has uncovered an underground network of FOBI-afflicted individuals, who gather (ironically) in secret forums to trade tips for dodging invitations. Some highlights from their manifesto:

Excuse Arsenal: Develop a repertoire of excuses ranging from “spontaneous existential crisis” to “I have to watch my neighbor’s tortoise.”
The Ghost Protocol: Commit to ghosting gently—just enough to discourage future invitations without appearing rude.
The Phantom RSVP: Always respond “maybe” and never elaborate. It’s the social equivalent of Schrödinger’s cat.

Can FOBI Be Cured?

Therapists and self-help gurus have proposed treatments ranging from exposure therapy (forcing sufferers to RSVP “yes” to one event per year) to mindfulness practices that reframe inclusion as a “manageable annoyance.” However, many FOBI sufferers reject the notion of a cure, proudly embracing their outlier status.

“Why cure what isn’t broken?” asks Anonymous Hermit #274 in a forum post. “I’d rather die alone with my cat than endure one more awkward potluck.”

The Social Impact of FOBI

Critics argue that FOBI poses a threat to societal cohesion. If too many individuals opt out of participation, who will organize the bake sales, attend PTA meetings, or pretend to enjoy office karaoke?

On the other hand, FOBI advocates see themselves as unsung heroes. By removing themselves from the social equation, they leave more space for extroverts to shine. “Think of it as social recycling,” explains Dr. Recluse. “They’re minimizing the collective awkwardness footprint.”

How to Spot a FOBI in the Wild

If you suspect someone in your life is a FOBI, approach with caution. Here are some telltale behaviors:

They mysteriously disappear during wedding season.
Their mailbox overflows with unopened invitations.
They possess an almost supernatural ability to “forget” birthdays.

A Call to Acceptance

Rather than forcing FOBI sufferers to join the crowd, let’s celebrate their unique contributions. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a hermit to remind us that sometimes, solitude is golden.

So, the next time your quirky neighbor ignores your block party flyer, resist the urge to judge. They’re not anti-social—they’re FOBI warriors, fighting the good fight against unsolicited karaoke nights and potluck pasta salads.