If you’re active on the internet, you may have already heard of FOMO or fear of missing out. It’s a mental condition that researchers define as:
“The uneasy and sometimes all-consuming feeling that you’re missing out — that your peers are doing, in the know about, or in possession of more or something better than you.”
FOMO isn’t just another internet buzzword. It’s a serious condition that affects more than 56% of social media users. And it’s growing rapidly, along with the involvement of modern technology in our lives.
Root of FOMO
Logically, it seems like FOMO comes from the desire to socialize with other people and from not wanting to miss out on the benefits of socializing. But, if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll find that the root cause of FOMO is actually the desire to survive and the fear of mortality.
Let me explain. For millennia, people lived in small groups, helping protect each other, hunt, and grow as a civilization. And during this course of evolution, being in a social group and liked by others meant that you were safe in case of external threats.
On the flip side, if you weren’t part of a group, or if people didn’t like and accept you, there would have been a high chance that you’d be left alone in the event of a threat. So, naturally, people did everything in their power to socially fit in. And even though today we aren’t being attacked by wild animals or hunted by rival tribes, we still have this instinct — which was initially meant to help our survival.
This is also why the term “fear of missing out” starts with the word “fear.”
Consequences of FOMO
Studies say that 24% of the teen population worldwide is online for a massive chunk of the day. This means their devices are constantly informing them of what others are doing and how other people’s lives are (suposedly) better than theirs.
This causes them to go out of their way to ensure that they’re part of the fleeting moment, ignoring whatever else is happening in their inner selves. And this results in a ton of problems like sleep disorders, anxiety, panic, and even depression.
Also, American Addiction Centers say that FOMO causes teenagers to feel pressured to take substances like alcohol and drugs, so they can keep up with their friends, celebrities, and their favorite social media influencers.
And it’s not just children and teenagers that FOMO affects. Adults are equally at risk, say experts.
So, if you’re suffering from this problem, here’s what to do to alleviate your symptoms of FOMO.
Track and Introspect
One of the oldest and probably the best methods of dealing with overthinking is to write about it. Experts say that when you jot your thoughts down on paper, they take a physical shape, allowing you to observe them from a neutral point of view.
FOMO arises when you overthink about things others may be doing without you. When you start writing, it helps you analyze patterns in your thoughts and understand what’s fueling them. This way, you can direct yourself away from the things that trigger your FOMO.
So, grab a pen and a paper, and start writing.
Take a Break from Tech
Novelist Anne Lamott once famously said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
Taking a break from tech use allows you to connect with your inner self. This means you’ll be focusing more on what’s going on with you than how others are doing. Experts say that taking a break from tech for a while not only reduces FOMO but also other problems like anxiety and depression.
I’ve written a separate in-depth post on this topic. So, give it a read.
Be Realistic About Availability
Your time is minimal. So, you have to understand that you can’t possibly be present everywhere every time. There will be concerts you’ll miss, there will be parties you won’t attend. But, this in no way means that you’re unwanted. It just means that you’re occupied with something much more important.
You have to look at your time realistically. In 24 hours, you have to manage your relationships, handle responsibilities, take care of yourself and others, and get your sleep. So, if you’re not finding the time to be part of the fleeting moment on the internet, don’t feel bad. Focus on the present moment and the other things going on in your life.
Get Professional Help
FOMO is a condition that can seriously affect both the physical and mental aspects of your life. So, if you’re suffering from this condition, consider getting professional help.
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for this condition.
“CBT is a kind of psychotherapeutic treatment that focuses on identifying destructive and disturbing thought patterns and replacing them with ones that will help you move forward in life.”
Final Thoughts
Tech addiction is a spectrum, and FOMO is a significant part of it. And the best way to alleviate tech addiction is to build a healthier relationship with technology. This also happens to be the primary focus of The Healthier Tech Podcast from SYB.
We have a range of experts from different industries discussing and sharing useful tips on building a better relationship with technology. And above all, this podcast is completely free to listen. So, if you want to improve your relationship with tech, d give it a shot.
