Social media apps and FOMO are changing the college experience.
Scrolling Instagram and TikTok may seem like a fun way to pass time between classes, but this can result in Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO.
FOMO isn’t just about big social events or important life changes. It’s about EVERYTHING that other college students are doing during their day. Students say they feel bad when they see others post about their wins and routines.
“I see people post about studying late or getting good grades, and I wonder if I’m not working hard enough,” said Emily Ramos, a second-year student. “It’s not just about parties anymore. It’s about every single thing.”
This can have a big impact on students’ mental health, and more students are seeking counseling due to anxiety brought on by the constant comparisons.
“What people see online doesn’t always match real life, where they have to balance classes, jobs, and money,” said Stephen Weston, an assistant dean at Rutgers University. “Social media makes you feel like you should be doing more, getting better grades or eating healthier.”
“For college students, that means always comparing yourself to others,” Weston said.
Food delivery is one way some students deal with the stress. Many use apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats instead of eating healthier. “I order food when I have too much homework,” said business major Jordan Lee. “Everyone else seems to have time to relax or cook, but I don’t.”
“Ordering high-calorie, unhealthy food is easy, and it’s hard to say no,” said Weston, who has seen students struggle with health and wellness over his 28 years at Rutgers. “Students might also spend too much money and pick what’s easy instead of what’s good for them.”
Despite the unhealthy side effects, some students continue to turn to poor eating choices when they find friends online and see someone else’s “perfect life.” Many students also feel alone when they scroll through TikTok and Instagram.
As social media increasingly takes up students’ time, the comparisons between real life and social media posts are inevitable, making FOMO a new part of the college experience.
