FOMO and Coachella: The Pressure to Keep Up with the Festival Crowd

Good Morning Everyone! Today is Monday, April 17, 2023.

As some of you may know, the first weekend of Coachella took place this weekend (April 14-16) and I must admit, I feel like I missed out.

I feel like I missed a once in a lifetime opportunity to see my all-time favorite artist Frank Ocean perform live in the California desert - something I have always longed to experience since his music matches the feeling / vibe of Coachella (in my opinion).

Once the news broke of him closing the first weekend, I made it a goal for myself to find the time and money to make sure I did not miss this performance.

Of course, life doesn't always go to plan.

I was unable to attend this year due to my ever-changing and always busy work schedule on top of other unforeseen events, but seeing all the photos on Instagram and videos on TikTok from people who were there has left me with a sense of longing and regret.

But what is it about Coachella that creates this intense feeling / fear of missing out (FOMO)? Why do we feel like we need to be part of the crowd, even if it means spending a lot of money and time to do so? The answer lies in the way our brains are wired.

Studies have shown that FOMO is a real phenomenon that affects the human brain in significant ways. When we see others having fun or experiencing something exciting, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates a positive feedback loop, where we feel compelled to seek out similar experiences in order to experience the same rush of pleasure.

At the same time, our brains are wired to seek social connection and acceptance. This is why we often feel pressure to conform to the expectations of our social group, even if it means sacrificing our own preferences or interests. Coachella, with its emphasis on community and cultural experience, plays directly into this desire for social connection and acceptance.

Of course, missing out on Coachella is just one small example of the many ways in which FOMO can affect our lives. The good news is that there are many ways to cope with FOMO and to resist the urge to conform to social expectations.

Tips for coping with the fear of missing out (FOMO):

1. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Take the time to reflect on your own values and priorities, and make choices that align with those values. When you feel the pull of FOMO, ask yourself if the experience you're considering is truly in line with your values and goals.
2. Focus on Gratitude: Rather than focusing on what you're missing out on, focus on what you're grateful for in your own life. Make a list of the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and remind yourself of them when you feel tempted to compare yourself to others.
3. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose: Having a sense of purpose and direction in your life can help you resist the pull of FOMO. Set goals for yourself that align with your values and passions, and focus on working toward them.
4. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you build resilience and resist the urge to conform to social expectations. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
5. Connect with Others: Instead of trying to keep up with others, focus on building genuine connections with the people in your life. Spend time with friends and loved ones, and engage in activities that allow you to connect on a deeper level.

At the end of the day, missing out on Coachella is just one small example of the many ways in which FOMO can affect our lives but by understanding the psychology behind this phenomenon and developing strategies to cope with it, we can learn to live more fulfilling and authentic lives, free from the pressure to keep up with others.

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