Fear of Missing Out, FOMO

What is Fear of Missing Out? The phenomenon first identified by Dan Herman and the term coined by author Patrick J. Ginnis, FOMO, Fear of Missing Out is defined as a feeling of anxiety, or insecurity over the possibility of missing out on something as an event, or an opportunity.

How does fear of missing out (FOMO) affect us?

FOMO on the top layer will feel like a harmless phenomenon, but it has many adverse effects. Most commonly known effects of FOMO are (well-researched)-

1. Anxiety

2. Depression

3. Stress

4. Poor Sleep

5. Academic Demotivation

6. Problematic Social Media Use

What are the causes of FOMO?

​FOMO is actually caused by being unsatisfied with life and sadness. Both of these have a root cause which leads us to social media. While the internet and social media are said to be revolutionary in terms of technology, it has both negative and positive effects. Keeping in touch with people (sharing memes), and being up-to-date with current affairs (knowing world politics) are the boon side of social media. This emergence of social media has led to a decrease in quantity, and quality of social connections and relationships. People are now more socially isolated than ever. The dual nature of social media has given us endless opportunities to connect, such use may give an increase to FOMO. Endless scrolling on Instagram and Tiktok opens up a wide array of experiences. An unknown world is given way to us. This can lead to comparison of lifestyle, looks, clothes, etc. which in turn leads to above mentioned effects.

Why is it increasing in pandemic and lockdown?

​Previously, FOMO was prevalent because of the physical experiences known to us through digital means. One might think it has reduced in the pandemic of Covid-19 and lockdown. But research says otherwise. It is especially prevalent in these times due to absence of engagements. This sort of distanced living has given rise to mental health concerns. Boredom, loneliness, confusion all lead to increased social media use. During the first wave of lockdown, we saw all sorts of trends such as Dalgona coffee, Houseparty games, and so on. FOMO has been commonly experienced due to the difficulty of catching up with real-time social media content, others’ posts, and videos, newly released movies, and series on video streaming platforms such as Netflix, and virtual gatherings with family and friends. Unable to follow trends, the pandemic has given rise to digital FOMO.

Our Well-being, Mental-health and FOMO

​In general terms, well-being refers to feeling good, and judging life positively, and indicates a broad category of people’s affective, psychological, physical, and social life satisfactions. This new form of FOMO- digital FOMO puts a burden on individuals well-being. Mental-health is a part of well-being. The mandatory social isolation has already given rise to anxiety, loneliness, and helplessness. During these tough times, it is necessary to take care of our well-being as much as we can.

How does fear of missing out (FOMO) affect us?

​One of the major ways to combat loneliness is to differentiate between being alone and feeling alone. This will also help us cope with our feelings. ​ The following can also help-

Staying active

A schedule will make us feel “normal” and also make us active. Staying active also means to exercise regularly as it is known to release endorphins, and make us feel good about ourselves.

Connect with yourself!

This is a good time to take up and try new hobbies. Connect with yourself, find out what you really want. Create a new chapter in the book of life, write new stories for yourself.

Connect with others!

Do not feel offended if people don’t reach out on their own. Everyone is dealing with their own problems and difficulties. Connecting with them, and catching up people can make us feel good about ourselves.

How to avoid FOMO?

The main thing to avoid FOMO is staying off social media. While this seems to be a very far-fetched idea, this will help. You may feel like you are doing your part by staying on social media, putting up stories to help people, staying informed, but all this is being done at the cost of your mental-health, and well-being. Digital Detoxing is the way to avoid FOMO.

Digital Detoxing!

​Digital Detoxing is disconnecting with social media, and smart devices for a short period of time. Business operators use a five-part formula- “Stress, Stop, Rest, Reflect, Restart.” This is a useful technique.

• Keeping track of our screen times is a good way to detox. There are several apps which track your screen time on your phone. A limit should be put to the screen time.

• Avoid using phones at least an hour before sleeping.

• Not taking phones to the bathrooms and washrooms. This is a sign of addiction.

• Keep your phone away during meals.

• Turn off notifications.

Vaccination and Decrease in FOMO

​With the increase in availability of vaccines to almost all age-groups, there is a chance of decrease in digital FOMO. Vaccines increase the chance to have real-life interactions in the physical world. This can decrease FOMO. It is our responsibility to choose to, and spend our time wisely. This will make things much more rewarding resulting in happiness. The pandemic has especially given us time to know what actually makes us happy. Correct use of everything will definitely lead to greater satisfaction and reduce loneliness as well.

Reference

1. Hayran, C., & Anik, L. (2021). Well-Being and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Digital Content in the Time of COVID-19: A Correlational Analysis among University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1974.

2. Cuncic, A. (2020, March 27). Ways to Feel Less Lonely During the Coronavirus. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661.