Overcoming FOMO Amid 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Hype

"I feel like I’m missing out on an inside joke with the rest of the internet."

If the names Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah mean anything to you, you’re likely one of the millions of people obsessed with ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty.’

This viral sensation has captured the hearts of fans of all ages, particularly millennials.

As for me, I have to confess: I'm one of the few people who still hasn't seen the show.

I didn’t actively avoid the show; the storyline just never piqued my interest.

Over the years I’ve just grown tired of teenage love triangles.

Growing up with ‘Twilight,’ ‘Hunger Games,’ ‘Vampire Diaries,’ ‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘The O.C,’ ‘Gossip Girl,’ - I personally just got quite bored of this storyline.

Because of this there was just never that sense of urgency to watch this series.

I already have a never-ending list of shows on my watch list, why add another that didn’t even appeal to me in the first place?

But then the show became a TV phenomenon.

Particularly with the latest season, the series has gone gangbusters.

So despite having zero interest in watching the show, I now admittedly have FOMO.

Everyone is talking about it - my favourite podcasters, YouTubers, TikTokers, even my group chats.

My algorithms are filled to the brim with TSITP fan theories, watch parties, memes and online commentary about ugly engagement rings, beach dinners and peach eating scenes.

I feel like I’m missing out on an inside joke with the rest of the internet.

@nessawinonaall the girlies gathered for the s3 screening #tsitp #thesummeriturnedpretty @sophie @Mia Guevarra

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In the past I’ve given in to FOMO and it has not served me well.

It took me to ‘Dune: Part Two’ despite hating the first one.

It took me to ‘Fourth Wing’ and ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ despite never liking romantasy books.

And every year it took me to another season of ‘And Just Like That’ - I shouldn’t even need to explain this one.

But as a pop culture enthusiast, shouldn’t I be consuming popular content?

As a journalist, wouldn’t it be wise I watch the show so I can observe, analyse and breakdown trends in the media and entertainment landscape?

And as a socially anxious autistic person who struggles with small talk, wouldn’t the topic of this viral TV show come in handy for future social settings?

But alas, the question remains: do I give in to the FOMO?

Do I embrace the discomfort of feeling left out by the internet?

Do I just give the show a try and join the fandom even if it’s just for a fleeting moment?

Or do I just wait it out and observe yet another trend become a thing of the past?