The Truth Behind FOMO | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Truth Behind FOMO

"My FOMO's going through the damn roof." -Ilana Wexler

16
The Truth Behind FOMO

Many of us know the term FOMO well, but if you're having FOMO right now because you don't know what it means, don't worry. I got you. FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out. Now that everyone is on the same page, let's talk about the truth behind FOMO.

This term has swept the millennial nation and it doesn't look like it is going anywhere soon. Nowadays FOMO can happen at any second and hit you like a big old rain cloud. You could be with your favorite people and BAM! FOMO appears. That sounds crazy, right?? You can thank social media for that. *thanks social media for being the ultimate fun sucker, but also the best place to display all the fun you're having.* Oh how you toy with my heart Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. One second I think I'm having the best day ever, then I get the thought to jump on social media to see what everyone else is doing, and suddenly I start doubting the time I am having all because I see someone else having fun too. But should we really be blaming social media for our FOMO? 100%. Of course, absolutely... not.

As a friend once told me, "go put on your big girl pants and get over it." The truth hurts, huh? Social media is not to blame for your suddenly fear of missing out. WE are to blame for our FOMO. This is where the harsher truth comes, so don't hate me, just read. If you take a step back and really think about FOMO, it is not the fear of missing out, but rather it is the fear of eventually being left out or forgotten.


No one wants to imagine that the people who make them the happiest or laugh the most could ever not be apart of their life. I'm sorry to say because it hurts me too, but the future can hold that possibility. There will always be people who stick with you through thick and thin, those are called best friends and they're pretty great. Most of the time your best friends are not the people who make you feel bad for missing a few group outings here or there. What I have found is that the people who make you scared of FOMO are the ones that make sure you know what you missed and remind you constantly. Those people will probably not be in your life forever and that is fine by me.


Don't let FOMO ruin any of your moments because who knows how much fun is really happening behind the photos and videos you see. The grass is not always greener on the other side, but who cares, because at least there is grass on both sides and not piles of mud.


Live in the moments you have, laugh at the stories you missed, and create new stories that will remind you that FOMO isn't really that important.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13149
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5767
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4278
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3778
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments