Kathmandu— The fear of missing out, or FOMO, has become a common experience for many young people, driven by the constant exposure to others' lives through social media. This pervasive feeling can influence their decisions, leading to overparticipation in events and activities, financial strain, and a distorted view of others' lives.

The Rise of FOMO

The globalisation of social media has significantly contributed to the rise of FOMO. In the past, individuals had limited access to information about their peers' lives, but today, social media platforms provide a constant stream of updates on friends' activities and achievements. This constant exposure makes it easier to feel like something is missing from one's own life, leading to a pervasive sense of FOMO. The problem with social media is that it often only shows the highlights, leaving out the challenges and struggles behind the scenes.

Impact on Decision-Making

FOMO actively affects the choices young people make. They might attend events even when they are exhausted, participate in internships and competitions out of fear of being left behind, or spend money they cannot afford to keep up with their friends. Social media has glamorized people's lives, making it seem like everyone else is living in luxury. However, this curated image often hides the reality of hard work and struggles behind the scenes. This can lead to a distorted view of others' lives and a sense of inadequacy.

The Importance of Saying No

It is crucial to recognize that missing out is a normal part of life. Saying no to certain things can create space for activities that one actually enjoys and wants to do. Each individual moves at their own pace, and it is impossible to experience everything at once. FOMO can lead to overparticipation and financial strain, but it is important to focus on doing things that bring genuine fulfillment. A fulfilling life does not mean experiencing everything but rather doing things that one wants to do, of their own accord.

The key takeaway is that it is okay to miss out on things. FOMO can be managed by recognizing the curated nature of social media and focusing on personal goals and values.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.