Attending a school like Tulane University has provided me with benefits, experiences and connections that have led me to a multifaceted college life. I interact socially with my close friends, extracurricular groups and oftentimes engage with the nightlife scene. But through observance of my social interactions and those of others, I have become familiar with feelings of “FOMO,” a commonly used acronym that stands for “fear of missing out.” 

The acronym originated around 2004, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Psychologically, FOMO can be split into two different mental processes or collections of actions: the first being initial perception or recognition that one is missing out on involvement with a social event or community. The individual may experience an overwhelming urge to engage with these social spaces or preserve the connections they have to them. The study emphasized that feelings related to FOMO often stem from heavy engagement with social media and observance of the virtual lives and experiences of peers and friends. 

Social media provides constant access to other people’s lives, and oftentimes, these platforms pressure people to highlight their lives. This kind of skewed curation can create unrealistic expectations for the life an individual leads, which is prevalent among college communities like Tulane. Recently, I was unable to join a social event my peers attended. Viewing their social media platforms that evening led me to feel both irritated and anxious that I was not able to join.

FOMO comes from underlying sentiments of anxiety and social insecurity and often leads to intensified feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. As a result, individuals might engage in behaviors that they don’t want to in fear of losing certain social experiences. 

During Mardi Gras, intoxication and substance abuse pervade Tulane’s festivities. Individuals may feel pressure to engage with similar substances as their friends to match certain energies, even if they are uncertain. FOMO may lead people to engage in risky actions due to a lack of substantial self-worth, as they feel an urge to be fulfilled by the lives and social choices of others. 

Combatting FOMO begins with recognizing one’s reliance on others to fulfill one’s sense of happiness, satisfaction and engagement with social activities. Once you build a strong sense of self-worth and rely solely on your interests and perspectives, the input of other people’s happiness and decisions will mean less. 

Building this mindset looks different for everyone, but it can begin by distancing oneself from social media platforms or being mindful of the content with which one engages. If there are certain platforms or accounts that trigger feelings of social disengagement and anxiety, placing boundaries on one’s access to them can be helpful. 

Further, it can be helpful to focus on real life connections to establish fulfillment. You can also reflect and identify your passions and invest time and energy into pursuing those endeavors. Those steps will establish a shift in focus from the lives and interests of others to the lives and interests of oneself. 

I found these methods of combating FOMO helpful in transitioning into college and establishing relationships with peers and a position within the Tulane community. I have worked to prioritize myself, my passions, my interests and my boundaries, and find a way for my social interactions and community engagement to fit into that mindset. 

It’s important to recognize that there are ways for everyone to become socially involved, and it is best to engage in what you are most interested in and passionate about. This way, your social connections and network will be relevant to you and your personal interests.