FOMO or ‘Fear Of Missing Out’ is the ‘anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media’. The term was added to the Oxford English Dictionary back in 2013 and has become a side-effect of a social media driven society.
With increasing content and screen-times, it’s becoming harder to avoid seeing what other people are doing. Friends, family, strangers, we’re constantly bombarded with snippets of their life to compare ours to. Whether their reality matches their 10-second TikTok doesn’t necessarily matter.
While anyone can experience FOMO, it is extremely common among university students. The social pressures to fit into a new environment, enjoy your course, and to make University the best years of your life might explain why. Students end up wanting to be in many places at once.
If you’re prone to FOMO, here are five ways to deal with it.
Take a break from social media
Social media scrolling often leads to intense FOMO. Whether it’s purposely prying or stumbling across something you didn’t want to see. You’re always likely to find something to make you feel worse. Limiting your time on social media is the best way to avoid feeling hurt, the phrase “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” is certainly applicable in this situation. Try turning your phone off or using apps like Forest to control your screen time.
Avoid comparison
People like to portray their best selves on social media, and reality doesn’t always match up to their posts. Constantly comparing is a draining process and can lead to low self-esteem. Click here to find out how to stop comparing yourself to others.
Make plans to look forward to
To avoid FOMO, try to have things to have future events to look forward to. This can make you feel more satisfied with your present situation. Didn’t get invited to a party? Who cares? You’re too busy booking a flight to Paris to care. Of course, don’t spend all your money every time you experience FOMO, but there are lots of simple new experiences to try. Check out a list of fun hobbies to incorporate into your life.
Avoid checking your phone too often
Similar to too much time spent on social media, too much time checking your phone can take you out of the present moment. When at social events or even on a boring weeknight, try not to pick up your phone so much. Leave it in your room, turn it off and engage in conversation. You won’t even care what everyone else is up to.
You can’t do it all
However much you want to, you can’t be in two places at once. Focusing on where you want to be rather than where you currently are takes the enjoyment out of the present. Try to appreciate your current situation, stay grounded and take it easy.