FOMO!
Times of Bennett | Updated: Apr 30, 2023 11:21
By Jiya Jain -
Fear of missing out , known as FOMO , appears to be a shared experience and has recently become part of our day-to-day lives. Results showed that students experience FOMO frequently, particularly later in the day and later in the week, and while doing a required task like studying or working. More frequent experiences of FOMO were associated with adverse outcomes both daily and over the course of the semester, including increasing negative affect, fatigue, stress, physical symptoms, and decreased sleep. It may be a feeling that can lead to potentially harmful activities people engage in with the goal of fitting in. It’s largely tied to social media and is more common for younger adults. It’s something to take seriously. Even changes in mood and irritability can be signs someone is experiencing FOMO, along with increased social media and phone usage. If someone is staying up late mainly on their phone, it may be something to monitor, as well as an increased obsession with comparisons. Students are constantly surrounded by peers with similar interests and social drives—the line between home life and social life becomes blurry, allowing for seemingly unlimited opportunities for social interaction. Being in a situation where you feel left out isn’t completely hopeless. Although most are easier said than done, there are tactics to minimize sentiments of FOMO. One such method is to reduce your social media usage, whether that means setting technology time limits for yourself or completely deleting the platforms themselves. In order to reduce FOMO, it is critical you stop comparing yourself to and idealizing the lives of others.
Here are some ways that FOMO can manifest in college and some strategies for coping with it:-
When you appreciate the good in your own life, the effects of perceived social exclusion diminish. So stay in, clean your room, and catch up on sleep, The world has never been more connected—resist the illusion of FOMO and truly enjoy those peaceful, priceless moments of solitude.
Here are some ways that FOMO can manifest in college and some strategies for coping with it:-
- Feeling like you're missing out on social events: College is often seen as a time for socializing and building friendships, and it can be easy to feel left out if you're not invited to certain events. To cope with this, try to focus on the connections you have made and the events you have attended rather than the ones you haven't. Make an effort to reach out to friends and plan your own social events.
- Feeling like you're missing out on academic opportunities: College is also a time for learning and exploring new subjects. If you're worried that you're missing out on academic opportunities, talk to your professors or academic advisors to see what options are available to you. You may be able to take an independent study or pursue a research project that aligns with your interests.
- Feeling like you're missing out on personal growth: College is a time for personal growth and self-discovery. If you're worried that you're not growing or developing as much as your peers, focus on your own journey and try not to compare yourself to others. Consider joining a club or organization that aligns with your interests or taking on a leadership role to challenge yourself.
When you appreciate the good in your own life, the effects of perceived social exclusion diminish. So stay in, clean your room, and catch up on sleep, The world has never been more connected—resist the illusion of FOMO and truly enjoy those peaceful, priceless moments of solitude.
