The average high school student experiences FOMO, or the fear of missing out: a feeling of anxiety that others are having more fun, or doing something cooler or living better lives than oneself. With students balancing school, friendships and personal goals, FOMO can impact their mental health and productivity.
In today’s world, teens’ lives are documented and public for everyone to see on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While these platforms help teens stay connected and share memories with each other, they also increase FOMO.
“Everybody posts [about an event], and I see it on their story on Instagram,” FHS senior Naysa Pandey said. “I feel bad that I didn’t go.”
Social media causes unrealistic comparisons, especially among high schoolers, who already deal with different forms of academic stress. FOMO pushes high schoolers to feel like they must attend every event, join every club and constantly post on social media to prove they are living the ‘high school dream.’
This feeling of FOMO can control one’s life, especially youth who are more naive and want to enjoy every moment of their high school experience. FOMO can lead to poor decision-making; a student may decide against doing their homework or preparing for an exam in favor of attending an event. Conversely, academic FOMO also exists, consisting of the constant pressure to keep up with peers, maintain high grades and participate in as many extracurriculars as possible. This can manifest in course load choice—such as a class a student wanted to take, but could not due to other commitments. A busy schedule may prevent a student who enjoys a certain subject from enrolling in a higher-level course, leading to less learning opportunities.
While FOMO is a common feeling in high school, it is possible to manage and reduce its impact on students’ lives. Limiting social media use and acknowledging that no one’s life is as perfect as it seems online, as well as understanding that everyone misses out at some point is helpful. Experiencing this fear as a high school student can act as a meaningful life lesson about balance and priorities.
Sometimes prioritizing academics and staying in can be the right thing to do. On the other hand, it is also okay to prioritize fun and go to events, even if it means pushing back on schoolwork. It is all about balance: how to find a healthy place where a student prioritizes both their academic goals and their mental health. High school is a one-time experience, so it is the ideal time to experience and explore. FOMO can serve as a powerful motivator, pushing individuals to seek out new opportunities that enhance personal growth and deepen their learning, but can also be detrimental to mental health; it is up to the individual to find the right balance for themselves.
