The secular gathering is a event for encounter, where we pause together to reflect on everyday experiences through annually changing themes. There is no single worldview, and nothing is excluded – all perspectives and beliefs are welcome, quietly side by side. The event emerges from presence and shared humanity: from simply being human together in a shared space.
This year's secular gathering invites us to reflect on a phenomenon commonly known as FOMO – the fear of missing out. It’s a familiar feeling for many: the fear that something meaningful is happening elsewhere, and we’re not part of it. FOMO is connected to both social media and face-to-face interactions, and it touches not only the small moments of daily life but also the big life decisions. Together, we’ll explore what this experience reveals about ourselves, our relationships, and our times. Is it merely a fleeting sense of restlessness – or does it reveal something deeper about our need to belong, to see, and to be seen?
Participating in the discussion are Senior Lecturer Joona Taipale, Project Coordinator Sari Hietamäki, and Postdoctoral Researcher Maria Ruotsalainen.
The event will be moderated by Senior University Lecturer Olli-Pekka Moisio.
You can anonymously submit your observations and experiences related to FOMO through the link below. The anonymous responses will be presented to the panelists during the event, and they will share their own reflections in response.
Please note the venue capacity (25 people).
Once the space is full, no additional audience can be admitted.
The event will be held in Finnish.
