Virtual FOMO: Just as sucky as the real thing

I’m here with another week of “Virtual Socialization Review”. This time turning my attention towards Wednesday and Saturday’s “MISSED” events.

For all of the debate about whether or not “Virtual” interactions can ever replace “Real” ones, here’s one not-as-often-discussed side of the story: What does it feel like when you miss out?

Long story short: bad! I happened to miss both a relaxing ‘play some vr games and test out some apps’ hang, and also a dear friend’s birthday party over zoom. I can’t speak much to whether or not, had I attended, it would have been “just as good”, but I’m just as sad for having not been able to go and see everyone’s face — albeit virtually — and get to chat with them.

Look, this technology might not be everything we’d have ever hoped for, especially as it works through the last, and likely next, 5 years or so of growing pains. But for now? It’s a way to connect with people you care about, and when that falls through? It stings just the same as real life.