What’s JOMO and Why is it Trending in Iowa?

Guilty as charged! If you're like me, more often than not, when an event gets cancelled, you're not upset, but rather elated. Move over FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Iowans are officially Team JOMO (Joy of Missing Out).

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That’s right — the Joy of Missing Out is trending, and according to a new study from Solitaired, Iowa ranks #9 in the nation for embracing it. Our state comes in at a whopping 95.56 points out of a possible 100. So, while some folks might feel a twinge of guilt or regret when they skip out on a social event, many Iowans are leaning into the peace and quiet of alone time, and loving every second of it.

So what exactly is JOMO? It’s that cozy, content feeling of turning down plans, skipping the big events, and staying home guilt-free. And it turns out, a lot of people in Iowa are very okay with doing just that. It's the "Iowa-nice," passive-aggressive way of leaving everyone to their own plans.

The survey found that 70% of Iowans feel relieved when they miss a social event. And when it comes to dodging reunions? Iowa ranks #7 nationwide, with another 70% saying they’d rather skip those, too. Large gatherings like concerts and sporting events aren’t high on the list either. In fact, Iowa ranks #3 for people who actively try to avoid them.

Turns out, a night on the couch might sound better than mingling at a holiday work party or standing elbow-to-elbow at a packed concert. Honestly, I can't blame them for thinking this way. For me it's usually a combination of, "I don't want to," and that famous line from Roger Murtough, "I'm getting to old for this crap."

By the way, nearly 45% of Iowans say they frequently turn down plans to enjoy time alone, and many aren’t afraid to bend the truth to make it happen. About 30% admit to telling little white lies to get out of commitments, while 1 in 4 prefer a classic "Irish goodbye" (a.k.a. leaving without saying goodbye at all). Trust me, as an Irish-German mix, this is THE way to leave a big event or gathering, and I will continue to abuse the snot out of it.

Yes, JOMO is clearly having a moment in the Hawkeye State. So the next time you find yourself turning down an invite and loving it, know you’re not alone. Rather, that’s kind of the point, isn't it?