From Concerts to Pilgrimages: How FOMO Shapes Our Choices


I'm a Coldplay fan! When it was announced that Coldplay was hosting a concert in India, I was over the moon, thinking I might finally get a chance to see them live. But to my disappointment, the tickets sold out within minutes. Today, some of those tickets are being resold on platforms like Viagogo for a jaw-dropping ₹9.9 lakhs. Yes, you read that right—₹9.9 lakhs for a concert ticket!

What really surprised me, though, was seeing people crying on social media about missing out on the tickets, as if it was the end of the world. Intrigued, I dug deeper and found interviews where many admitted they weren’t even that familiar with Coldplay’s music. They simply didn’t want to miss out on what was deemed "the event of the year".

I couldn’t help but think: Really?

I also noticed this phenomenon in other aspects as well. 

It's interesting, and a bit disheartening, to think that something as deeply personal and spiritual as a holy journey could be influenced by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). A pilgrimage or religious trip is traditionally meant to be a journey of faith, introspection, and a quest for spiritual connection. When it becomes a matter of social comparison or following trends, the essence of the experience can be lost.

In today’s world, where social media often dictates what’s “worthy” of our time and effort, even sacred acts can fall prey to this mindset. People might see their friends or family sharing posts about their visits to revered sites and feel pressured to do the same—not out of genuine spiritual calling, but out of a fear of being left out or appearing less devout. The journey risks becoming more about appearances than about inner growth.

This shift can dilute the meaning of these holy journeys. Instead of serving as a time for quiet reflection, gratitude, and spiritual awakening, they can become rushed, checklist-like experiences. "Visited this shrine? ✅ Posted about it online? ✅ Now I’m part of the club." But spirituality isn’t a race, nor is it about validation from others.

These perfectly capture the essence of FOMO—Fear of Missing Out.

What is FOMO?

FOMO is that nagging anxiety that something exciting or noteworthy is happening somewhere else, and you’re missing out on it. It's amplified by social media, where people showcase only the best parts of their lives—vacations, events, and experiences. Seeing those posts can make you feel inadequate or left out. We've all been there, haven’t we?

With the rise of social media and technology, FOMO has become more prevalent, making us feel like we need to chase every trending event or moment to keep up.

Enter FOBO

Then there’s FOBO—Fear of Better Options, which is even more common in our daily lives. It’s that constant hesitation to commit because you’re afraid there’s a better option out there—whether it’s choosing what to eat, buying a gadget, or even deciding on a career, home, or partner. It’s the endless “what if” that leaves us stuck in indecision.

The Problem with FOMO & FOBO

FOMO and FOBO are not just buzzwords—they’re real issues causing stress and dissatisfaction, especially among younger generations. Social media fuels these fears by presenting a distorted, hyper-filtered version of reality, making people believe that everyone else is living a better, more exciting life.

Ironically, the more we succumb to these fears, the more addicted we become to social media, perpetuating the cycle.

How to Overcome FOMO & FOBO

  1. Live in Reality:
    It’s tempting to dream of a picture-perfect life, but true contentment comes from appreciating what you already have. Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

  2. Shift Your Perspective:
    Focus on gratitude. It’s easier said than done, but once you start valuing what you have, the fear of missing out or chasing better options fades.

  3. Reduce Social Media Usage:
    The less time you spend scrolling through curated feeds, the better you’ll feel. Take breaks, set limits, and engage in real-life activities that bring joy.

  4. Embrace Imperfection:
    Life isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about making choices and cherishing them. Every decision may not be perfect, but it can still lead to growth and happiness.

In the end, missing a concert, a party, or even the latest trend doesn’t mean you’ve missed out on life. Life’s real joys come from meaningful relationships, personal growth, and everyday moments—not from fleeting events or the approval of others.

So, let’s step back, breathe, and remind ourselves that there’s more to life than chasing the next big thing!

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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