Is FOMO Making You Miserable?
You're scrolling late at night, seeing friends out at events, influencers booking yet another trip, or someone launching a passion project — and suddenly, you feel like you're behind. That sinking feeling is called FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out. And if it feels like it’s taking over your self-worth, you’re not alone.
For Gen Z in 2026, the pressure to “keep up” — socially, professionally, and personally — is at an all-time high. But here’s the truth: hustle culture and FOMO are linked, and they may be doing more harm than good.
What Is FOMO Really About?
FOMO isn’t just about missing a party. It’s about believing that you’re falling behind in life. It can manifest in multiple areas:
- Career: Seeing others achieve goals faster
- Social life: Not being invited or included
- Relationships: Feeling single while everyone’s posting date nights
- Personal growth: Feeling unproductive or uninspired compared to others
The Link Between FOMO and Hustle Culture
Social media glorifies constant motion — “no days off,” “grind now, shine later,” “you should be building something.” While ambition isn’t a bad thing, it becomes toxic when it’s rooted in comparison instead of alignment.
Hustle Culture’s Hidden Message:
If you’re not constantly doing something impressive, you’re wasting your potential.
This message can create chronic anxiety, burnout, and low self-worth, especially when combined with the illusion that everyone else is doing better than you.
How FOMO Affects Gen Z’s Mental Health
According to recent studies:
- FOMO increases anxiety and depressive symptoms
- It disrupts sleep and focus
- It leads to social withdrawal and overcommitment at the same time
- It worsens self-esteem by fueling constant comparison
How to Know FOMO Is Getting to You
- You feel restless or anxious after scrolling
- You say “yes” to things out of fear, not desire
- You devalue your own progress because it doesn’t “look impressive”
- You judge your worth based on productivity or social proof
Reframing FOMO into JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)
JOMO is the peaceful alternative. It’s the contentment that comes from living life based on your pace, your values, and your capacity. Here’s how to move from fear to joy:
1. Identify Your Triggers
Notice what types of posts or updates spark comparison. Is it career wins? Travel? Body image? Naming the trigger is step one to disempowering it.
2. Mute, Don’t Unfollow
Protect your peace without the drama. If a certain account causes spirals, mute it for a while. Your mental health matters more than digital etiquette.
3. Celebrate Micro-Moments
Not everything has to be a major milestone. Drinking water, taking a walk, finishing a chapter — celebrate what’s meaningful to *you*, not what gets likes.
4. Redefine Success
Make your own metrics. Maybe success this week is resting, setting boundaries, or showing up when it’s hard. Your life isn’t a content strategy.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Behind
You’re not supposed to have it all figured out at 22. Or 26. Or even 30. Life isn’t a race, and comparison is often based on incomplete stories. When you honor your own journey, FOMO loses its grip — and peace takes its place.
Self-Worth Journal Prompts
- What does success feel like for me (not look like)?
- What’s something I’m proud of that no one else saw?
- Who am I trying to impress — and why?
- What would I do if no one could see me doing it?
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Written by: Shree