What does FOMO mean?

FOMO is short for “fear of missing out.” It’s a feeling you get when you’re scared of missing something exciting or interesting happening somewhere else. This “something” could be anything from a party to a social event to a job opportunity.

Most of us have felt FOMO at one time or another. That little voice inside says, “Something cool is happening somewhere, and you’re missing it!” With social media nowadays, FOMO is more common than ever. Seeing pictures of your friends at a party or on vacation while sitting at home can trigger those FOMO feelings.

When do people get FOMO?

People can get FOMO in lots of different situations. Here are some of the most common:

Social events

This is probably what most folks think of when they hear “FOMO.” A significant source of FOMO is seeing on social media that your buddies are at a party, concert, or other fun event without you. Even if you couldn’t have gone or weren’t invited, seeing those pics and posts can make you feel left out.

Relationships

FOMO doesn’t just happen with events — it can hit with relationships, too. For example, when you see a friend post a cute couple pic, you start worrying about missing out on a relationship. Or if you’re in a relationship but see other people doing cool stuff with their S.O., you might get FOMO about not doing enough fun things with your partner.

Work and school

Yep, FOMO can strike at the office or classroom, too. Maybe you hear about a big project at work and get FOMO that you’re not involved. Or you see classmates landing impressive internships and worry that you’re falling behind on career prep. The fear of missing opportunities to get ahead can be a significant FOMO trigger.

Pop culture

Ever see people raving about a TV show, movie, book, or album and feel like you need to check it out ASAP, or you’re totally out of the loop? That’s pop culture, FOMO. With so much media and so many people talking about it online, it’s easy to feel you’re missing out if you’re not up on the latest thing.

What causes FOMO?

So, what’s behind this fear of missing out? There are a few key factors:

Social media

Social media is FOMO’s best friend. Seeing a constant stream of pics and posts about all the cool stuff everyone else seems to be doing is like pouring gasoline on the FOMO fire. It creates an illusion that everyone is living their best lives 24/7.

The “highlight reel” effect

Related to social media is something called the “highlight reel” effect. People tend to only post about the best parts of their lives online. You see the fun parties, cute couple selfies, and career wins — but not the boring everyday stuff or low points. It can make you feel like you’re the only one not living it up all the time.

Choice overload

We live in a time of endless options — many events to attend, things to watch, and paths we could take. Having so many possibilities at our fingertips can make the fear of choosing the “wrong” thing even worse.

Grass-is-greener thinking

FOMO often involves “grass is greener” thinking. Assuming something else is better just because it’s something else. If you’re sitting at home, a party must be excellent. If you’re single, being in a relationship seems like it would be perfect. The reality is usually more complicated.

How can I deal with FOMO?

FOMO is no fun, but there are ways to keep it in check:

Cut back on social media

Take breaks from the Instagram scroll and Facebook feed. Set designated check-in times rather than glancing at it all day. Or even consider a full-on social media detox now and then. Less exposure to everyone else’s “highlight reel” can mean less FOMO fuel.

Stay present

Focus on enjoying where you are and what you’re doing now rather than fixating on what else you could be doing. Practice gratitude for the good things in your life. Mindfulness techniques like meditation can help you stay grounded in the present.

Make the best choice for you.

When FOMO tempts you to stretch yourself too thin or make not-great decisions, pause and think about what YOU want. Would you enjoy that party, or are you just worried about missing out? Is applying for that job an intelligent move, or are you getting sucked into an opportunity arms race? Focus on what legitimately matters and appeals to you, not what you feel pressured to do.

Keep perspective

There will always be cool things happening that you can’t do or be part of. No one can experience everything. And remember that you’re usually seeing other people’s carefully curated public image — not their actual, flawed lives. Don’t compare your everyday existence to someone else’s highlight reel.

Choose your FOMO battles.

Sometimes, the cure for FOMO is…giving in to FOMO. If there’s something you’re genuinely excited about, go for it! Don’t miss out on incredible opportunities because you’re trying to be too chill about everything. Save your FOMO-fighting energy for when it’s an unhelpful knee-jerk reaction rather than a sign pointing you toward something great.

In conclusion…

FOMO is standard these days, but it’s also essential to prevent it from ruling your life. By being aware of what triggers your FOMO, keeping social media in check, staying focused on your path, and choosing which FOMO-inducing things are worth your time, you can stop missing out on enjoying where you are right now.