Given all of the social media applications that allow us to view what others are doing at all times, the idea of "FOMO", otherwise known as "fear of missing out", comes into effect.

Unfortunately, FOMO brings much more than fear into young adults and in 2018, it is time to stop letting FOMO take over your life.

Whether you are in grade school, high school, college or out of college, the fear of missing out can effect anyone. When Snapchat stories debuted, there was an immediate effect on all of us. Before Snapchat stories, we were not so distinctly open to what others were doing around us. Once the update made a debut, FOMO also made a debut.

As the idea is known for a while, it is time to make it unknown and stored away forever.

In 2018, I hope that people quit being affected by “the fear of missing out.” There is more to your life than the party that looks “unreal” on Snapchat when in reality that Snapchat is all just for show. It has allowed us to paint a false picture of what is truly taking place and I hope that as a society, we can slowly diminish that.

When out at a party, put your phone away. Have fun with those around you. Those who are not in attendance at the party are uninterested in seeing your Snapchat stories. Although, a fun and exciting night always makes us feel good, it is unnecessary to show the rest of the world.

There are situations, especially in high school or college, when I might not be at a party and get disappointed when I see stories that make me feel bad about sitting home. However, then when I do go out, I make stories and do not put into effect that others might be getting FOMO by looking at my own.

The simple idea makes me think and want to stop putting these types of stories up online.

The next time that you are out with a big group, instead of putting up endless amount of stories, think about those who may also experience FOMO just as you do. Also, consider if you want to look back on your night where you strictly looked at your phone instead of having fun with those around you.