Fear of missing out, better known as “FOMO." A term used jokingly by young adults to excuse the restless, high-energy lifestyle of today's generation. It's the reason for never resting due to social anxiety from the belief that something better is happening. College students are becoming the primary victims to this harmful acronym. “I have found myself exhausted after a long week of school but I still push myself to go out. I don't want to miss out on what my friends are doing,” explains student Rikki Backus. Dinners, events, parties and social media are roots to this “disease.” The inability to say no and over committing is exhausting today's youth. Regardless of one's health condition or energy level, the need to participate in everything continues to prevail. While it may seem that FOMO is positive by keeping people busy and on top of things; it can actually do more harm than good.

Neglecting health:

Eat and sleep become the least of worries. This may lead to unhealthy addictions to keep the body going 24/7. Instead of setting aside a day of rest one may fuel their body with caffeine, disguising the need for sleep until the body crashes. When finally deciding to take a day off instead of relaxing, the day is spent thinking about what one could be doing instead. Being content is never an option.

Priorities are in the wrong order:

It is all about the present moment. Phrases like “Yolo” are filling minds with the idea that partying and risky behavior comes first. What needs to be done to better the future of a career is no longer a first priority.

Anxiety over the fact there's always something better going on:

Happiness is becoming hard to come by. With a wide variety of social media, the phrase “the grass is always greener on the other side,” has never been so noteworthy. People post the most exciting and significant moments in their lives, making others feel like they need to compete.

Today's generation must learn to accept that there is nothing wrong with missing out. The more time spent worrying about what others may be doing one may miss out on something happening right in front of their eyes. Looking at someone's vacation or job promotion should inspire a person rather than make someone feel anxious that they are doing something wrong with their life. FOMO causes a person to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Time is spent wanting to be somewhere else and not putting your full attention on the current situation. Always remember to enjoy each day and moment no matter how it is spent.