Chasing Trends, Losing Yourself : Are You Living Your Life Or Someone Else’s Under The Grip Of FOMO?

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Puja was glued to Instagram at every chance she got. As an accountant at a firm, her breaks were spent scrolling through reels, captivated by influencers flaunting their "GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, and reels showcasing designer bags, shoes, and clothes. The more she watched, the more she felt the gap between her life and theirs.

"Hey, Puja, check this out!" her colleague said one day, showing off a shiny new handbag.

"Wow, I've seen this before," Puja said, her smile broadening.

"Of course, you have! Gayathri, that top influencer, showed it off in her latest reel. I couldn't resist getting one."

"But isn't it expensive?" Puja asked hesitantly.

"So what? Girls can never have enough bags, clothes, and shoes. If you're buying, go for the best, right? You only live once," her colleague smirked.

The comment stuck with Puja. She glanced down at her own outfit-simple, outdated, and well-worn. She couldn't even remember the last time she shopped for herself.

"You really should update your wardrobe, Puja," her colleague added bluntly. "That dress is totally out of fashion."

The sting of embarrassment lingered. That evening, she dove into shopping for designer shoes, a new bag, trendy outfits, and jewelry to match. The compliments poured in, and for a while, Puja basked in the glow of her transformation. But soon, things spiraled. Every reel showcasing a must-have item felt like a call to action, and her spending skyrocketed. Bills piled up, rent was overdue, and she resorted to loans just to keep up. Yet, the emptiness inside grew deeper.

One afternoon, while rushing home, she bumped into an old friend.

"Puja! It's been ages!" Devi exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

"Devi! Oh, wow, it's so good to see you!" Puja replied, taking in her friend's simple salwar and no-frills bag.

"Let's grab some tea," Devi suggested, leading her to a roadside tea stall. Puja hesitated. Most people she knew went to upscale cafes, not roadside stalls. But Devi was insistent.

"The tea here is amazing, trust me. And when you dip a biscuit into it, it simply is the best."

Puja smiled reluctantly and joined her. As they sipped tea and reminisced about their college days, something shifted. Laughter bubbled up between them, and for the first time in months, Puja felt genuinely happy. The moment was simple, unpolished, yet irreplaceable.

"Thanks for this, Devi," Puja said as they parted ways.

"For what?" Devi asked, puzzled.

"For reminding me what really matters, You opened my eyes and my heart" Puja replied, hugging her tightly.

That evening, Puja made a decision. She began selling off some of the unnecessary branded items that had drained her finances and took a much-needed break from social media. Instead of chasing trends, she focused on managing her expenses and rediscovering the things that truly made her happy. Puja no longer let someone else's curated life dictate her own and vowed never to fall into the trap of FOMO again.

The Fear of Missing Out : FOMO And Its Effects

Puja's experience is a classic case of FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, a phenomenon exacerbated by social media. FOMO is the anxiety that one might be missing out on something more exciting or rewarding, leading to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and depression. In today's digital age, especially among teenagers and young adults, FOMO has become a pervasive issue. Constant engagement with social media platforms amplifies the sense of exclusion when people perceive others as living more exciting, fulfilling lives. The desire to be part of every trend or event can take a significant toll on mental health, impacting self-esteem and even leading to stress and anxiety.

The Root Cause : A Need for Belonging

The underlying cause of FOMO lies in the basic human need for social belonging and meaningful connections. When these needs are not fulfilled, it can lead to emotional turmoil, negatively affecting mental and physical health. The rise of social media platforms has intensified these feelings by offering a constant stream of comparison. Adolescents, in particular, are more vulnerable to this because they are at a stage of self-discovery, where comparison to peers is common. This can lead them to engage in risky behaviours, like overspending, to fit in or feel accepted.

Reconnecting With What Truly Matters

Puja's chance encounter with her old friend, Devi, helped her realise the emptiness of constantly chasing after the next trend. Devi, who led a simple life, showed Puja that true happiness comes from genuine, unpolished moments, not the curated image of social media. The two shared a cup of tea at a roadside stall, an experience far removed from the high-end cafes Puja was accustomed to. That moment reminded Puja of the joy in simplicity and authentic connections. It became clear to her that she was chasing something superficial, and it was time for a change.

Breaking Free From The FOMO Cycle

Puja took a break from social media and sold off the designer items that had drained her finances. Instead of focusing on trends, she began managing her finances more responsibly and rediscovered what truly made her happy. By shifting her focus from external validation to internal contentment, Puja was able to break free from the grip of FOMO.

Managing FOMO : Steps Toward Mental Well-being

To combat the effects of FOMO, it's crucial to recognise its triggers. A digital detox, or temporarily stepping away from social media, can significantly reduce feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Dedicating time to meaningful relationships with family and friends, engaging in mindfulness practices, and journaling can also help manage these feelings. For those who experience intense FOMO, seeking therapeutic support such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can offer effective coping strategies.

While it's natural to experience FOMO from time to time, it doesn't have to define your life. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), individuals can prioritise genuine connections, practice self-care, and focus on personal growth, rather than being consumed by the endless scroll of social media. As Puja discovered, happiness lies not in the trends we follow but in the simple moments and authentic connections we build. It's time to step away from the digital noise and start living fully in the present.