Public speaking, heights, spiders, clowns, and the dark are all very common fears to have. However, after our generation, a new fear will top the list. It shows its blood-sucking teeth through social media and creeps its way into casual conversation. The fear of missing out, or FOMO, is not a new fear but is heightened due to the plethora of media outlets used today.

It is hard to believe that our friends can and will have fun without us. While we are stuck inside studying, they are having what looks like the time of their life. Once the Snapchats, Instagrams, and group chat messages start rolling in, I tend to feel more and more offended. “How dare they have a good time without me!” Even though I was just as invited as the rest of the group, I start to feel a bit forgotten. A huge pit in my stomach develops and worry of diminishing friendships becomes all consuming. In order to avoid this feeling, FOMO has us act irrationally. We go out the night before an exam and we say “yes” to ice cream with friends even though we have a meeting.

After viewing a few Snapchat Stories, fear of missing out has us instantly regret not going to a party. A single Snapchat video can make an eight-person gathering with music and a strobe light look like Project X with dancing and beer bongs. Although we are 90% sure that it isn’t as fun as it looks, we still feel as though we missed out. Actually, some of my favorite nights out were when I had no pictures, videos, Snapchats, or Instagrams to prove it! The shorter the Snap Story just means the more time you spent off of your phone interacting and engaging with other people.

FOMO happens to the best of us, but the next time you are feeling down in the dumps, keep in mind that Snapchats and pictures do not always indicate the level of enjoyment a person is having.