Are you worried that you may be missing out on something that’s going on somewhere all because of a post you just saw on your newsfeed? If so, you may be suffering from FOMO, also known as the Fear of Missing Out, the anxiety that something exciting or better is happening elsewhere without you. The acronym was added as an official definition to the Oxford dictionary in 2013.
Furthermore, to take the definition deeper, it can be the feeling of disconnection or dissatisfaction fueled by social media and the constant need to check it. People who are addicted to checking and endlessly scrolling through their Facebook newsfeeds may have symptoms of FOMO.
Thanks to the rise of technology, the Internet and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it makes it easy for people to update their statuses or post pictures of their latest endeavors and adventures to the public. While there’s no harm in wanting to keep yourself up to date with what’s going on with your fellow friends, acquaintances and colleagues, if you’re consistently clicking on that Instagram app on your iPhone and the posts cause feelings of anxiety or jealousy, there’s a problem.
I conducted an informal survey with other 20-somethings about this phenomenon and concept. The answers were a mixed bag of results with some saying that it didn’t affect them while others said they felt like they were affected by the FOMO. A few of them said they were content with how their lives are going, but when they see a status update about an acquaintance who got invited to a party or event, or a friend who got their dream job in a big city or who just got engaged, they suddenly feel like they’re missing out on the things in life that they should be doing.
For any of you that are anxious that you might be missing out on something, just remember that you have nothing to worry about. Most of the time people only post the happy moments or the “good sides” of themselves on social media. Let’s be honest, we’ve all done it here and there, and while there’s nothing wrong with sharing our happiness with the rest of the world, you shouldn’t let others’ updates affect you in negative way.
If you are guilty of checking your newsfeeds, try and minimize how many times you do so. Consider deleting the app from your phone to prevent you from clicking it.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to live your life the way others are. Do the things that make you happy and if you want to share it with the world of social media, then do so. Kick FOMO in the butt and be happy with the life you’re living.
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