From FOMO to ROMO: A Shift in Mindset
For years, FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out, dominated social media feeds, social calendars, and even our mental health. But a new trend, ROMO, or Relief of Missing Out, is flipping the script. Instead of chasing every event, post, or trend, ROMO encourages people to celebrate skipping things, embracing rest, and prioritizing mental well-being.
Also known as JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), ROMO isn’t about laziness, it’s about intentional living. It’s the art of saying “no” without guilt, turning away from overwhelming digital noise, and finding satisfaction in your own choices.
Celebrities Leading the ROMO Revolution
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt drained by constant notifications and invites. Celebrities are publicly embracing ROMO too. Actor Cillian Murphy shared a candid Instagram post recently, captioning a photo: “I have ROMO. Relief of Missing Out,” referring to not being cast in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Pop superstar Rihanna has also embraced the trend. Speaking on Chatty Man, she admitted she’s done with late nights and endless parties, calling herself “a bit of a square recently” and adding, “Don’t feel bad for me, I’m good!” Similarly, Zayn Malik has leaned into ROMO, citing his preference for staying in his own bubble due to social anxiety, telling Dazed magazine, “Creatively and socially, as I’m getting older, that’s just the way I am.”
These examples show that choosing ROMO doesn’t mean isolating yourself—it’s about aligning your lifestyle with your comfort and priorities.
The Mental Health Benefits of ROMO
Dr. Kristen Fuller, writing for Psychology Today, explains why ROMO can be transformative for mental health. Social pressure, the need to “be everywhere,” and the constant comparison on social media often fuel FOMO and leave people exhausted. ROMO, on the other hand, encourages presence, mindfulness, and self-care.
“Instead of constantly trying to keep up with the Joneses,” Fuller writes, “ROMO allows us to be who we are in the present moment. When you free up that anxious mental space, you have more energy to focus on what truly matters.”
Statistics back up this lifestyle shift: The New York Times reports that Gen Z adults are embracing ROMO, drinking less, partying less, and enjoying calm staycations instead of late-night benders. Their rallying cry has shifted from “Go large, or go home” to simply “happy to stay home.”
How to Practice ROMO Without Missing Out on Life
ROMO isn’t about hiding under a blanket all day. It’s about making conscious choices that support your well-being:
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Practice mindfulness: Tune into your feelings and notice why you’re drawn to certain events or posts.
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Limit social media: Cut down on apps that fuel comparison or unnecessary stress.
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Curate your content: Engage only with information that inspires or enriches you.
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Prioritize real-life connections: Focus on experiences and relationships that bring joy, rather than online validation.
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Respect your boundaries: Don’t force participation in events or trends that feel draining; honor your comfort and needs.
Whether it’s choosing to skip a crowded concert, saying no to a party, or simply enjoying a quiet night with a book, ROMO teaches that true joy comes from conscious choices, not constant engagement.
A Cultural Shift Towards Contentment
The rise of ROMO signals a broader cultural shift: society is beginning to value mental health, self-awareness, and intentional living over constant busyness and social approval. By embracing ROMO, we’re not missing out, we’re gaining clarity, peace, and freedom.
So the next time you scroll past a party or decline an invite, remember: it’s not FOMO, it’s ROMO. And it might just be the most empowering acronym you encounter all year.
Source: IOL
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