FOMO: A Sweet Lie We Tell Ourselves

The term “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out, has become a buzzword in our modern lexicon, frequently cropping up in conversations at college, workplaces, and beyond. But what lies beneath this ubiquitous fear? Is it truly fear, or is it a comforting lie — a narrative we cling to without fully grasping the intuition or reasoning behind our choices?

In the age of hyperconnectivity, where social media amplifies every highlight reel, we find ourselves yearning to inhabit multiple dimensions of life simultaneously. We want to hike in the hills, dance at a party, ace our professional goals, and immerse ourselves in a club’s activities — all at the same time. This insatiable desire to “be everywhere” is not only an illusion but also a source of profound cognitive dissonance. It stretches our expectations far beyond what is reasonable, plunging us into a constant state of dissatisfaction.

Yet, is this fear of missing out a reflection of reality, or is it the manifestation of a deeper psychological craving? The curated images and stories we consume online to craft a version of life that is glittering and pristine — a life where every experience seems essential and every missed opportunity feels catastrophic. We are not just afraid of missing out; we are afraid of not living up to the idealized personas we see.

This behavior leads to an ironic paradox: in our attempt to live everywhere, we often end up fully present nowhere. Our focus splinters, our energy drains, and the joy of genuine, immersive experiences eludes us. The stress of meeting these ever-expanding horizons is more than just taxing; it erodes the essence of what it means to truly live.

Perhaps it’s time to dismantle this sweet lie and reconsider what it means to miss out. The truth is you can’t be everywhere, you and the rest of the population are missing out on some or the other thing. It’s about being present somewhere. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the true richness of life lies.