The “fear of missing out”, stems from the comparisons we make- or what you could maybe call “keeping up with the Joneses”.   I wish I had that car, those stock returns, that family, job, vacation, bank account, etc.  This focus often leads to discontentment.  I would be happier if I had X or Y... so we then covet- or simply put, develop a jealousy, that goes nowhere fast.