AEE: Do You Have FOMO? YOLO!

The podcast explores the meanings, usage, and emotional underpinnings of the acronyms FOMO (fear of missing out) and YOLO (you only live once). It highlights that FOMO is often used playfully to express sadness about missing an event, even when one is secretly relieved to avoid it, and that social media has amplified FOMO by constantly showcasing what others are doing. YOLO, on the other hand, justifies risk-taking and spontaneity. The hosts differentiate the two by associating FOMO with anxiety and YOLO with embracing fun. They provide examples of how both acronyms are used in everyday conversations, including professional contexts and even in relation to doing nothing. A role play illustrates how FOMO and YOLO might be used among college friends deciding whether to prioritize studying or attend a party.