FOMO and a Railing at a State FuneralCEFR A2
12 Jan 2024
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Jas Percival Mamanta, Unsplash
FOMO, the fear of missing out, is now a common idea in Trinidad and Tobago. Health experts say FOMO can make adults feel anxious because they think others have more fun. The writer recalled a toddler who stayed awake to avoid missing anything.
On Monday January 9 a former finance minister climbed a railing at a state funeral and spoke to the media. Someone else followed her and crossed the barrier. The act led to questions about protocol, social status and respect. Many people made memes online and some suggested quieter options like leaving and sending a sympathy card. It is not yet clear if security or guest lists will change.
Difficult words
- anxious — worried or nervous about what might happen
- toddler — a young child between one and three years
- railing — a long bar you can hold for safety
- protocol — official rules for behaviour at events
- meme — a funny picture or idea shared onlinememes
- sympathy card — a card to show care after a death
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever felt worried you might miss something important? What did you do?
- What would you do if you saw someone cross a barrier at a public event?
