The Final Fantasy XIV (“FFXIV”) Fan Fest is a major event for fans of the popular video game, which boasts over 27 million players according to FFXIV’s own website. The Las Vegas 2023 FFXIV Fan Fest took place over two days on 28 and 29 July 2023. Whilst content on social media about the FFXIV Fan Fest in Las Vegas can make others look forward to the FFXIV Fan Fest in London, due to take place in October, the stream of social media posts about the event can also be a source of anxiety and stress for many fans.
This is because of the phenomenon known as FOMO, or fear of missing out. FOMO is a type of social anxiety that is characterised by the fear that you are missing out on something that others are experiencing. In the case of the FFXIV Fan Fest, the amount of fans wishing to attend massively dwarfed the number of available tickets, meaning a large proportion of fans are left only able to experience the FFXIV Fan Fest event from afar, often via posts on social media.
Seeing a regular stream of content on social media can exacerbate feelings of FOMO. This is because social media is designed to highlight the best parts of people’s lives. Scrolling through posts on social media can make you feel like everyone else is having more fun than you are, or living a more successful life than you are. When you see people posting pictures and videos of themselves having fun at the FFXIV Fan Fest, it can be easy to start to feel like you are missing out. Missing out from meeting the developers, the team involved in creating the wonderful world of FFXIV, missing out on being with other people who share a similar interest, missing out on just being there to enjoy the event.
What does FOMO anxiety feel like? There is no one size fits all checklist of symptoms which apply to everyone suffering from FOMO anxiety. It can trigger anything from simply feeling at a loss and procrastination because you are thinking too much about what you are missing, to depression and self-harm. FOMO anxiety can also lead you to make impulsive and risky decisions about future events in order to avoid missing out, even if it may not be something you are too bothered about if you were able to think through things with more clarity.
If you are struggling with FOMO, there are a few things you can do to cope. First, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people experience FOMO, and there are ways to manage it. One way to cope with FOMO is to focus on your own experiences. What are you doing that is fun and fulfilling? What are you grateful for in your life? When you focus on your own life, it is easier to let go of the fear that you are missing out on something else.
Another way to cope with FOMO is to limit your time on social media. When you are not constantly bombarded with images of other people’s “perfect” lives, it is easier to feel content with your own life.
Finally, it is important to remember that social media is not necessarily portraying reality. What you see on social media is often a carefully curated version of people’s lives. The truth is, everyone experiences FOMO from time to time. It is a normal human emotion.
If you are struggling with FOMO, do not be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to a therapist or counsellor who can help you develop coping mechanisms. You can also find support groups online and in your community. The important thing is to remember that you are not alone. FOMO is a common problem, but it is one that can be managed. With the right tools and support, you can overcome FOMO anxiety.
Here are some other ways to deal with FOMO and social media anxiety:
- Be mindful of your social media use. Pay attention to how you feel when you are on social media, and take breaks when you start to feel anxious or stressed.
- Focus on the positive. When you see posts from friends and followers, focus on the positive aspects of their lives, rather than comparing yourself to them.
- Set boundaries. Decide how much time you want to spend on social media each day, and stick to it.
- Find other ways to connect with people. Meet up with friends in person, join a club or group, or take a class.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
If you are struggling with FOMO and social media anxiety, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor may be able to help you develop coping mechanisms and manage your anxiety.
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