Holding On in the Race Against Time
Slowly but surely, we are all pursued by time
Undeniably, the feeling of being left behind is one that will always haunt us. Especially so, as we live in an era where the internet and social media have become our new reality.
In less than 10 seconds, you can already access what is happening in other parts of the world. Without needing to meet, you know that your friend is currently having dinner with their partner at a famous restaurant. Without official information, you know that your favorite musician is actually on vacation in Bali.
Regarding Falling Behind
Nevertheless, new inventions cause new problems. The massive and rapid distribution also creates new phenomena, especially among young people and adults.
One of the emerging phenomena is FOMO (fear of missing out), which creates feelings of worry and fear in individuals for missing out on something new, like the latest news, trends, and other things.
The anxiety about falling behind refers to the feeling or perception that others are enjoying their time well, leading a better life, or having better experiences than ourselves.
By engaging in social media, we indirectly contribute to cultivating this fear of missing out culture. This happens because we willingly allow ourselves to be bombarded with various information about the people we follow or those whom the application deems suitable for our preferences.
“When will I be able to do that?”
“Why can’t I be like them?”
As a result, these questions arise and trigger feelings of anxiety within ourselves. Then, there will be a tendency to compare our lives with others who appear to be more enjoyable or happier.
You Who Aren’t Falling Behind
Alongside those experiencing FOMO, there are also people who mindfully use social media and the internet, where they are not influenced by how often they see Instastories or the content they consume.
“Life is not a race.”
The quote, which I’m not sure where it originated from, has become a mantra that I often recite when feeling ‘falling behind.’ In fact, many of the people I mentioned earlier also use this quote to give themselves a pep talk, as if saying, “Hey, you’re not falling behind at all.”
This mindset is becoming more common among various groups, both young people in school and working adults. Many of us have realized that everyone has their own time and pace.
The outdated notion that we must graduate from college at 22, get married at 25, buy a house before 30, and have a billion in savings by 45 is slowly fading away with time.
No matter how far others progress, it doesn’t matter. We remain focused on what’s ahead of us and do what we need to do.
It’s as if we’re in a bubble, busy with what we need and want, allowing all the disruptions and chaos to pass us by.
Yet, the old-fashioned thinking I mentioned earlier has some truth to it as well.
Pursued by The Time
Upon deeper examination, will instilling the belief that everyone has their own time make our lives more peaceful?
Yet, currently — quite realistically — we are being pursued by time. The rapid advancement of technology, dwindling open spaces, the specter of world war, melting polar ice caps, and illogical inflation all force us to run.
Whether we like it or not, willing or unwilling, we must run as fast as we can. We cannot afford to fall behind in this super-duper chaotic situation.
It’s as if, if we’re not as fast, we’ll be crushed. The state of the earth and everything within it urges us to move as quickly as possible.
We’ll all be racing in an endless race because time is chasing us. Let’s wait until we’re all devoured and pounced upon by time itself.
