FOMO refers to “fear of missing out” in basic terms. FOMO, which was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013, refers to the nervous or worried feeling that a person gets when they discover they will not be attending a social event, either because they were not invited or because they do not want to go.
Although the phrase FOMO (fear of missing out) was coined in the age of social media, the concept is not new. We’ve undoubtedly all felt the sting of FOMO at some point in our lives, regardless of generation. You won’t be able to attend a concert with your pals and will spend the entire night wondering what you’re missing out on.
According to research, people are twice as affected by losses as wins. As a result, it’s understandable that our natural impulse is to avoid the anguish of missing out and to dwell on our failure if we do.
Let’s get one thing straight: while social media may provide us with more FOMO opportunities, one study found that hearing about a missed chance from a friend induced the same amount of FOMO as seeing it on social media. So one communication method does not outweigh the other; social media is simply more accessible.
Missing out due to a commitment such as work or studies causes a higher feeling of FOMO. But, let’s face it, who would rather work than hang out with their friends? On the other hand, even while the subjects were having fun, there was still FOMO present.
The name of the game when it comes to decreasing or even eradicating the fear of missing out is awareness.
Cultivate a non-judgmental awareness while living in the present moment, and avoid attaching unpleasant feelings to things you can’t influence. Sure, it’s easier said than done. Meditation, on the other hand, is an excellent approach to get started with this new habit.
Also, keep in mind that more isn’t necessarily better, and attempt to limit your options. One method to do this is to eliminate any experiences that do not provide you with a genuine sense of fulfillment. Before you commit to something, genuinely think about it and ask yourself, “What will I get out of this?”
It’s also crucial to note that almost everyone suffers from FOMO at some point in their lives. The uneasy feeling is typical, and with the introduction of social-sharing platforms, it’s becoming more so. Understanding the sensation and finding healthy methods to deal with it, on the other hand, can help us be happier with our own lives without being caught up in the worry of missing out on what the other has to offer.
You can also rest easy knowing that FOMO appears to decrease with age. So, if skipping that party is making you feel particularly overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’ll soon grow out of it.
