Fear Of Missing Out, known as FOMO, is a psychological disease that has affected young people for decades. It is most prevalent on college campuses throughout the U.S., affecting those between 17 and 22 years old. It is frequently contracted through social interaction and can be triggered by social media posts. FOMO side effects include short term depression and anxiousness. Studies have shown that symptoms act up during the evening and can last 'til the late hours of the night. Observational studies have revealed that the disease more often occurs in extroverts than introverts.

Living With FOMO

Multiple college students with FOMO were interviewed and asked about their daily struggles with the impeding disease. Sorita Lopez, a second-year student at UCLA, shared, “I had the early signs of FOMO in high school, but it wasn’t until I college where it started to affect my daily life." This is a common testimony of the effects of FOMO.

Elevated amounts of social interaction can cause increased symptoms of FOMO, which is why more cases have been reported on university campuses. “I know I have to get my work done, but when I hear about a party or see my friends getting ready to go out, my FOMO really starts acting up”, explained Ryan Fraterno, a biology major at the University of Georgia. Students living with FOMO often have trouble concentrating. This can cause lowering performances in academics, extracurriculars, and athletics.

Young people with FOMO have often reported that the worst part about the disease is when they give into the its urges. “I remember one time, I was feeling really bad FOMO, so I went out that night. I ended up drinking way too much. The next morning, I missed all my classes and failed an online quiz that I almost forgot about. The worst part was, I didn’t even have fun!” testified Julian Casajackas, a student at Washington University in St. Louis.

Coping With FOMO

Though there is no medicinal treatment for the disease, there have been practices known to improve its side effects. Alexa Turnfield, a three-year victim of FOMO, reported “one technique I use to help me cope with FOMO is to write down everything I need to get done. I see how close I am to finishing my list. My symptoms usually decline if I see that my responsibilities are not completed for the day. And I usually feel motivated to get work done again.” Doctors, health advisers, and ex-victims of FOMO have stated that the disease cures itself with time and effort, but the effort needed varies with each individual.

Still, it is enduring, and affects more 20 million people in the U.S. alone. Samuel Gadhi, a neuroscience major at Stanford University, shared how he copes with the interfering disease. He states, “I remind myself that there will always be other events to look forward to, and that missing out on one night won’t be the end of my social existence." Psychologist Ezra Kaenipp shares that coping with FOMO does not have to be difficult. Removing yourself from temptation is one way to easily reduce FOMO triggers. He advises, "turn off your phone, go to the library, distract yourself with others things. Honestly, it can be as easy as being in solitude."

The outbreaks of FOMO all across the nation serves as a reminder to us all. The Fear Of Missing Out should not control our lives. Although this kind of fear can often drive us to be social, brave, and spontaneous, the negative side effects do not match up to the benefits. Encouraging one another to say no to the urges of FOMO and to support each other is one way you can help those affected by this horrendous disease. Stay focused, and say goodbye to FOMO!