FOMO

Living in New York City, I constantly experience FOMO. 

(For all of you non-millennials, it stands for Fear Of Missing Out. It is a sensation experienced when you perceive others as having more fun than you currently are.)

I always pass by clubs with people crowded around the entrances. I see bars that are so full, people are sitting 4 to table built for 2. There are deals for $6 manicures, $2 beers, $1 sushi (I swear, I've seen it). I am confident enough to pass by these and calmly make peace with the fact that I'm not partaking in said activity.

The one thing that I can't resist, however, is when I see a long line on a random block for a unknown reason. Why are these hundreds of people all here? Is it a concert? A flash sale? A theater performance? An even newer iPhone? 

I try to look for clues: are they all dressed the same? Do they have posters? Coupons in hand?

I've been part of these lines. I once went to a screening of an independent film, and the viewers lined up hours before the exclusive premiere. Passersby stopped to ask us why we were there and how they could join; suddenly, this event unknown to them becomes the most coveted thing, and they want nothing more to be apart of it.

I am guilty of that; I believe we all are. Everyone wants the opportunity to be part of something exclusive, even just for a few hours. Solution? Do more, so the only times you experience FOMO are when you're on your way to a different fun event. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Added 1/21/14
A perfect explanation