Did you catch Monday’s post about fear of missing out (FOMO) and technology? The idea of being alone together got me interested as to how this FOMO is playing out in the Atlanta population’s relationship status. While I think the reasons are multi-layered for why there are a great number of people who are unhappy with their single status, I wonder if this “fear of missing out” is a part of it.

Here’s what the relationship landscape looks like:

• As of 2007, the number of online dating sites was 393 (and according to recent statistics, the online dating industry generated $1.049 Billion in revenues).
• Rates of affairs seem to be increasing (estimated to be roughly 30-60% of all married individuals).
• Infidelity is becoming more common among people under 30 years old.
• The number of single young adults and adults is greater than it has ever been in the past.

(You can read more here and here.)

There have never been more ways to meet “that special someone.” But while the plethora of ways to connect with people increases through social media, online dating sites, and other dating services, the number of faithful marriages and committed relationships appears to be decreasing.

Many times we sit with clients who are experiencing a broken heart, sadness, loneliness and exhaustion, reporting that they “just can’t seem to meet the right person.” They have been “walked out on” or others have “walked out” on them. I wonder if there is a negative side to the increasing number of opportunities to meet someone. Does it generate more and more of this idea that “the grass is greener on the other side?” Is it possible that as the number of ways to connect with people increases, our level of commitment to people is decreasing?

Mary Overstreet, LAMFT

moverstreet@ GROWcounseling.com