FOMO a real problem
I was recently accused of having FOMO and it got me thinking.
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has escalated in recent years with the Internet and
Social media. Teens and young adults are increasingly becoming victims
FOMO has been around for a long time before it was thus titled and became common use but a few short years ago.
I searched Google for apt descriptions but was generally unhappy with the results.
For years friends have said to me "don't invite Peter unless you really want him to come."
I always considered it polite of me to accept an invitation if someone was kind enough to consider me, others thought I had to be into everything. I suppose a bit of both is true.
Yes, I am on most social media and have to like or respond to the posts of friends less they think I don't care. In fact, I was accused of this one time for being selective so have a new all in policy.
Back in the olden days a few years ago it was probably the fear of not being liked or included in groups or parties that bordered on FOMO.
When kids are growing up they need to be equal and treated as such.
I went to a two-year-old birthday recently. Lots of great presents and a happy time for the Birthday person. However, the four-year-old sibling was indeed missing out. The parents and some others also provided the older child a present so they would not feel left out. Is this setting up a lifetime expectation.
Going to kids sport is really good. At the end of play someone usually gets a reward for some type of play. The others however don't get to upset because they have learned that everyone gets a turn during the year because they can't miss out. Is this setting a pattern?
Down the line when the real world welcomes them do they become distressed at missing out
and not being reward for just participating?
FOMO inspires me to achieve and drives me to do better. How did I the younger child get scarred in life and have to live with this.
I had a four year older male sibling. Now he got to do things well before me. Skateboard, Bike. Car, girlfriend you name it and I wanted the same. It filled me with envy as he entered the new exciting adventure and I was too young for the opportunity.
It affected my life and I was missing out. No wonder I suffer from FOMO.
The difference is I use it as a good thing now, an incentive a driving force.
At Wealthy Affiliate we see people making a bundle of money from the internet and if you would believe I feel no envy you are very wrong. I am missing out.
That is why I strive a bit harder to be a leader in the stakes. FOMO drives me.
A tongue-in-cheek random look at a concept from someone who has no training in this area.
Peter Hanley
Recent Comments
2
Love the wisdom in your words.
If someone had given me a participation trophy growing up I would have thrown it in the garbage. If I lost at anything, then I would work my ass off to make sure it didn't happen a second time.
Life is not fair, or just. No great leaders were participants. They were winners.
I am like Hertz Rental Car ads.
2nd place sucks, so I TRY HARDER!
Mark