In a time of constant connectivity, curated lifestyles, and an overwhelming stream of choices, the fear of missing out—FOMO—has become a defining struggle of modern life. We scroll, compare, and chase experiences, anxious that we’re not doing enough or being enough. But long before smartphones and social media, Søren Kierkegaard recognised the inner conflict at the heart of this fear: a life scattered, unrooted, and afraid to commit.
To Kierkegaard, the answer wasn’t more experiences, but more depth. His concept of faith offers a powerful antidote to the restlessness of modern living—one that invites us to choose meaning over distraction.
The Restless Life of Endless Possibilities
Kierkegaard described the “aesthetic” life as one dominated by avoidance—of boredom, of limits, of deep responsibility. It mirrors today’s FOMO-fuelled mindset: always keeping options open, always searching for the next best thing. But instead of leading to fulfilment, this lifestyle results in despair—a hidden emptiness beneath the surface of stimulation.
By trying to grasp everything, we risk connecting with nothing. In trying not to miss out, we miss ourselves.
Faith as a Leap into Meaning
Unlike passive belief, Kierkegaard’s idea of faith is active and inward. It involves choosing a path—not because it’s popular or impressive, but because it speaks to your soul. Faith means accepting that you can’t do everything—and finding peace in doing what truly matters.
Faith counters FOMO by grounding the self in something deeper than approval or experience. It allows us to commit without regret, to let go without fear, and to find joy not in what we might be missing, but in what we’ve consciously chosen.
From Fear to Freedom
FOMO thrives in a world where identity is shaped by likes, status, and visibility. Kierkegaard challenges us to shift that focus inward. A faithful life is not one that avoids limits, but one that embraces them as a path to depth, freedom, and truth.
Instead of fearing what we’ve missed, Kierkegaard invites us to ask: what are we truly living for?
Want more on Kierkegaard’s timeless ideas?
Discover The Sickness Unto Death: A Modern Translation for the 21st Century at www.thesicknessuntodeath.com — a thoughtful reworking of his essential insights for today’s readers.