Fomo: how to spot the symptoms

FOMO: origin – Fear Of Missing Out

FOMO is defined by the Urban Dictionary (the most legit place to go for definitions of course) as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by the fear of missing out.

Being diagnosed with this is pretty damn serious, yet it’s more common than ever imagined. My house mate is FOMO positive. No, there is no known cure and it can be CONTAGIOUS. I had my suspicions last year before we moved in together but I never accepted it. Then this year, I noticed the symptoms, I saw her crumble, it tore me apart… but it’s too late now. Save someone before it’s too late, KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.

Here are the symptoms:

Episode 1 of many

1. Panic attacks

It all starts with mini breakdowns. Little spasms of jealousy start to grow when the ‘patient’ can’t make it/be part of a social event; be it a birthday party or a group skype date. Usually one will witness cold sweats, endless whinging, chain smoking, constant phone-checking and in some cases, hyperventilation. In certain cases, mobile phone throwing, intermittent tantrums, stomping and charging or smashing you or other objects in the room is common.

 2. Possessive texting

Texting is a FOMO’s drug, their kryptonite.  30 seconds won’t pass unless the patient sends/receives/checks for a text.  Despite going cross-eyed and losing any feeling in their thumbs and fingers, texting is an ironic pain relief. “Beep-beep” a soon as the tone rings they get their fix and they are instantly

God help her

3. Social stalking

Computer. WORK YOU BASTARD. Quick. Refresh. Where are they? What are they doing? What is his status? Why am I not involved? Where was I this night? Why am I not tagged in this picture? He comments on her status? Why not mine?! AHHHHHHHHHHHH. CRASH.

As posed as this may seem.. okay it is.

Everyone has mild cases of occasional FOMO, it’s but natural. BUT IF you know someone who ticks all the boxes for the extreme symptoms above, well GOOD LUCK, that’s all I can say.