FOMO No More

Have you ever felt left out when someone makes an inside joke, and you're clueless about it? Or maybe you’ve scrolled through social media, seeing your friends having a blast without you?

Well, you might be experiencing FOMO--Fear of Missing Out. It is an emotional response of feeling restless as though you are missing out on something fun or exciting that others are enjoying. Often accompanied with anxiety, insecurity, jealousy, and sadness, FOMO can silently impact your mental health and strain your relationships. The impact of FOMO varies depending on the person: those who place value on social interaction may be more susceptible to FOMO as compared to those who enjoy solitude. In fact, people on TikTok created a positive spin turning it into JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).

FOMO is not a new concept, but why has the prevalence gotten higher nowadays?

Social media: With constant updates on TikTok and Instagram, we’re constantly exposed to what seems like everyone’s "perfect" life. Watching from behind a screen can leave us feeling like we’re falling behind while others reach milestones.

Need for validation: Some seek external approval, relying on likes, comments, and views to feel validated. However, this pursuit can lead to unhealthy comparisons when we feel others are receiving more attention..

Falling behind: FOMO extends beyond social events to trends and products. When something goes viral, the rush to purchase before it’s out of stock adds pressure, creating a sense of urgency to not miss out.

The Psychological Toll of FOMO:

• Anxiety:​​ Constantly trying to keep up with trends or maintain an ideal lifestyle can be overwhelming, heightening anxiety as we worry about falling behind.

• Social comparison: Comparing ourselves to others who seem to be living their "best life" can make us feel inferior, damaging self-esteem.

• Jealousy: Missing out on events or groups can trigger feelings of exclusion and insecurity, leaving us questioning our worth in social circles.

Coping with FOMO:

• Remember the Full Picture: Understand that social media often shows only the highlights of someone’s life—what’s missing is the behind-the-scenes moments.

• Be Present: Limit social media time and focus on appreciating the people and experiences that truly matter in your life.

• Reframe the Situation: Use moments of exclusion as opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Not being present doesn't diminish your value.

• Practice Gratitude: Shift focus from what you’re missing to what you already have, fostering a sense of appreciation and contentment.

• Build Genuine Connections: Face-to-face interactions create deeper, more meaningful relationships than online connections ever could.

While it is crucial to expand our network and build connections, it is important to pinpoint where FOMO gets out of hand and negatively affects our lives. Establishing a balance of the influence of FOMO helps us in protecting our well-being. Keep in mind that it is okay to be uninvolved and  miss out on things. What matters the most is to keep our priorities straight and engage in activities that bring joy and align with our values.