BY: Erica Condon
Asst. Perspectives Editor
Growing up, I always felt like I needed to be involved in everything and go everywhere. I was just the type of person who never wanted to miss out on any opportunities.
One day, I was introduced to the word FOMO: the Fear Of Missing Out.
I was shocked when I first heard about FOMO. There was finally a word to describe my feelings of always wanting to be involved.
Have you ever turned down plans because you were too tired, but as the night went on, you completely regretted staying in? Watching Snapchat videos and pictures of the plans you turned down. Anxiously wondering what you are missing out on. Wondering what is happening and being said without you there. That is FOMO.
It may sound silly, but FOMO is something that I always struggle with. The worst is when I am faced with two plans and I need to decide between them.
I am always extremely indecisive because I wish that I could be in two places at once. However, we all know that cannot be the case.
Whenever I can’t make it out somewhere, my friends will always joke and say “Erica definitely has the worst FOMO right now.”
However, I am not the only person I know who considers themselves to have feelings of FOMO. In college, I always hear my friends say they are having FOMO when they can’t make it out to a party.
College is an extremely busy time in life where students are faced with balancing school work, jobs, and a social life. In reality, you won’t be able to attend every party or gathering, you may need to stay in and do homework some nights. This is where FOMO comes into play with many college students like myself.
I mean, who actually wants to stay in because of homework when you know you could be going out and having fun with your friends?
Although I believe that it is extremely important to experience as much as possible at this time in my life, I also understand that it is not the end of the world if I miss out on a party or dinner plans.
I am a “live in the moment” type of person, I am constantly aware of how short and precious my life is. The people I have met in life and the amazing opportunities I have experienced so far are the reason I have FOMO.
I don’t see FOMO as a bad thing, my FOMO reflects my eagerness to live life to the fullest. I know that life has a lot to offer and I never want to miss out on any experiences that come my way.
The other day I came across my horoscope and it summed up my feelings of FOMO perfectly. It said, “Fascinated with the world around you, you are extremely curious, with a constant feeling that there is not enough time to experience everything you wish to see and explore.”