No More FOMO: A How-To
There isn’t a comparable feeling to sitting in bed scrolling through Snapchat stories and seeing everyone and their mom out—without you! All week it’s been what everyone and anyone has been talking about, the huge party Thursday night, which you can’t go to because you have that 9AM exam that you can’t afford to be hungover for. Sometimes when this happens, I feel like the whole universe is out to ruin my existence, and I know some of you feel the same way.
Studies have shown that FOMO is something that has always existed. It didn’t pop up with the arrival of social media, despite what some may think. In fact, the first study was conducted in 1996 (before social media) by Dr. Dan Herman, who was the person to coin the acronym “FOMO.” But there is no doubt that social media certainly worsens the pain of FOMO. Social media platforms such as Snapchat are so easily accessible that often you can’t help but look at everyone’s posts of people enjoying themselves at whatever function. It really can cause you to feel like you’re missing out on a situation. Stephanie Pappas writes in the Huffington Post, “...people high in FOMO had more positive emotional experiences and more negative emotional experiences when checking Facebook than people without much fear of missing out. In other words, FOMO is linked to more intense emotions around social media.”
The urge to religiously stalk Snapchat stories and my friend’s every move at the party while I’m sitting at home—it’s truly insane and a challenge to resist. Over the past week, I’ve been coming to terms with the fact that FOMO is the stupidest thing ever, and we as a society need to get the hell over it. So how does one get the hell over it? I’ve been reading up on that because I sure need to.
Limit Social Media
Obviously, the first thing you can do is limit your time on social media, but that is easier said than done. It is 110% doable, but it definitely takes an adjustment period. Seeing your friend’s posts can feel like a pie in the face; it’s all being thrown at you, and it just rubs in the fact that you aren’t there to enjoy the fun. So, simply do not look at the posts that night. Give your phone a break!
Change Your Social Media Feed
For many, completely disassociating from Instagram or TikTok can feel impossible, and it may just be too big of a step for them. If you’re one of those people, there’s no shame because you’re not alone. Instead, you can actually change your feed on both of those apps. Your TikTok “for you page” is based on other posts that you like and comment on, so simply start liking and commenting on different content that won’t trigger the FOMO. Instagram operates in a similar manner. With Instagram, you have the option to manually change what and whose posts you see. Linked here is a Youtube tutorial on how to do so.
Journal the Things You’re Grateful For
I know—so cringe. But in all seriousness, a journal can feel like a personal therapist; you can write all your thoughts down. When you take a minute to sit back and think, you will realize that missing one night of fun will not kill you. More importantly, there are so many more important things in your life—the amazing bond you have with your sibling or an incredible math professor that helped you get a good grade. Writing down what you are grateful for will put your mind at ease, and I’m sure the anxiety about what you’re missing will significantly lessen. Award-winning blogger Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., said, “Keeping a journal can help you to shift your focus from public approval to private appreciation of the things that make your life great. This shift can sometimes help you to get out of the cycle of social media and FOMO.” Studies have also shown that keeping a journal can boost one’s confidence, helping you break away from “needing” public approval and feeling like you cannot miss a single party.
All in all, you are going to miss stuff in life, and yeah, it’s going to feel sucky. There will always be another party, wedding, or boat day; it’s important to remember to cut yourself some slack once in a while and let your body and mind rest. Trying the simple steps, like limiting social media time, changing your feed, or journaling the things you are grateful for, may go a long way.
Strike Out,
Lili Jahromi
Boca Raton
Lili Jahromi is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She spends an unnecessary amount of her time idolizing Lady Gaga, sharing intimate moments with her friends, and beachin’ it with her b*tches. You can reach her at jahromilrose@yahoo.com
