Social Media FOMO Is Ageless
Friends disappointed when they saw they were not invited
Are we ever too old for social media FOMO, that “fear of missing out”? Apparently not! A 60-year-old who doesn’t use social media gets backlash from uninvited friends after other friends post pictures of her dinners! See what advice columnist Eric Thomas says.
Dear Eric:
I’m in my mid-60’s and did not grow up using social media. Honestly, I find it silly to think anyone would care about my daily activities and dining options. Thus, I stay off all of the platforms. Most of my friends are on the primary social media platforms such as Facebook.
In the past I have hosted exclusive, invite-only, parties at my house. Modesty aside, some of these parties are rather nice with catered food and high-end wines. On numerous occasions, a few days after the parties, I hear from some of the people who were not invited. “Well, I saw on Facebook that you had a party. Why wasn’t I invited?”
As I am sure you can imagine, I can’t invite all my friends every time I have a party. I don’t have the space, money or inclination to send an open invitation. How can I respond to some of those who were excluded but inquisitive?
– Private Party
Dear Party:
You sound fabulous and I’m envious of this fun life. But I promise not to pester you about it on Facebook. It’s presumptuous of anyone to demand an explanation for not getting an invite. That’s just an invitation to have bruised feelings. Wouldn’t be me.
Tell these social media sleuths that there wasn’t enough room this time or you were cultivating a certain group that would all get along. Modesty aside, tell them “I’m too popular.”
They can accept it or not. But you don’t have to explain yourself to them.
In the future, however, you might want to include a request to attendees: “Please don’t post photos on Facebook; let’s enjoy this party in the moment.”
R. Eric Thomas (he/him) is a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. His accomplishments include “Eric Reads the News,” a daily humor column covering pop culture and politics, serving as the interim Prudie for the advice column “Dear Prudence,” and “Congratulations, The Best Is Over.” Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
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Find more words of wisdom – from social media FOMO to a husband’s mid-life crisis, DNA surprises, and more – in the Boomer Advice for Life department.
