FOMO

By Tanya Shah, BA (hons.) Geography, third year

Edited by: Vasvi Singhal

Have you ever found yourself longing for someone else's life—the one you envisioned for yourself?

The fear of missing out (FOMO) on experiences that others seem to enjoy has stirred insecurity in many. Scrolling through Instagram and seeing stories of people on dream vacations, groups partying, or friends hanging out can leave us feeling unsettled, prompting us to toss our phones aside and sink into the uncomfortable thought of not being a part of those moments.

It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when others seem to be living your dream, celebrating moments you wish to experience. That nagging feeling of not being a part of it all can push you into doubt as you wonder whether your life measures up. FOMO doesn’t happen all at once; it creeps in slowly, like a vine, wrapping itself around your vulnerabilities and tightening its grip little by little. Before you know it, you're caught, weighed down by envy, insecurity, and a diminishing sense of self-worth. It makes you lose sight of your own definition of happiness, pulling you away from your true self in favor of chasing fleeting, superficial moments that others seem to enjoy.

FOMO makes us say "yes" to situations that may initially feel exciting but leave us unfulfilled in the end, drained by the emptiness of chasing a life not meant for us. One post, one story, can shift our perception entirely, making us forget that joy doesn’t always look glamorous. We overlook the fact that reading a book or simply relaxing at home might bring more peace than being at a party. We ignore the fact that behind those beautiful Instagram photos often lies a web of harsh realities. As the saying goes, "All that glitters is not gold." Not every shiny moment is as perfect as it seems.

What’s troubling is that we’re losing touch with self-reflection. The idea of finding joy in missing out (JOMO) may feel inadequate to us as we start dismissing the small moments of contentment that actually define our happiness. We forget that where we are in a life is perfectly valid. It’s important not to let FOMO erode your sense of self-worth. Take a step back, breathe, and remind yourself that your life holds value as it is.

Have you tackled the inevitable FOMO? What helps you get out of it?