Fighting FOMO

The fear of missing out, or "FOMO," is commonly felt by teenagers when they feel like they are not included in experiences, information or events. This unpleasant, sometimes painful, feeling often occurs when young people perceive that others are having more fun and gaining more experiences than they are. It is the direct result from the vice of comparison. Teens who experience FOMO also experience a fear of regret, the fear that you will regret the decisions you make and the experiences you have or don't have.

Parents can help their teenagers fight FOMO by encouraging them to focus on joy in their current circumstances. A contentedness in the here and now and gratitude for what they have will help them to enjoy their lives without comparing themselves to others and FOMO. President Theodore Roosevelt was correct when he said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."

For more resources about FOMO, you can download Axis' A Parent's Guide to Teen FOMO.