FOMO, Or The New Face Of Anxiety
Do you think your life is going too fast? That society demands that you be constantly up to date with what your contacts are posting on social media? The fundamental tool of your life is your phone, tablet or electronic device? Then this article on FOMO may interest you.
When you are on social media and look at the profiles of your contacts, you think their life is very interesting and fun considering all their posts. You may also feel the almost obsessive urge to check your phone. You feel the need to be aware of everything. And when you don’t, it feels like you’re late. In addition, you start to feel discomfort, anxiety and / or fear of social exclusion or a feeling of loneliness. If so, then welcome to the world of FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out.
Gradually, our brains are dazed as we let ourselves be overcome by the need to be connected. And to review everything that is happening on social networks. Emotions such as jealousy or the fear of not moving forward come up. Especially if we compare ourselves to others.
Are you familiar with any of these signs? Are you concerned about nomophobia, that is, the irrational fear that appears when you cannot use your phone? Do you have symptoms of phubbing, or in other words, you ignore the people in front of you because you are glued to your cell phone? If so, you are probably one of the victims of FOMO.
FOMO, or the fear of missing something
The need to take a look at your mobile and find out about the latest posts from your contacts can cause unnecessary suffering. Most of us are curious about what is going on in our online environment. It can also, in the extreme, become an important part of a clinical picture.
The fear of not being aware of what is going on on social media and the tendency to compare our life to that of others often generates a feeling of pessimism in us. This greatly weakens our self-confidence, and makes us believe that our life is less interesting than that of our friends. FOMO gradually isolates us and decreases our ability to concentrate.
This fear also has the power to condition the value we place on our achievements. We care more about what happens on social media than in real life. It is clear that parties, travel, going out to expensive restaurants or professional accomplishments are creating trends in the world of social media. However, do not forget that this exhibition is partial and that it seldom constitutes an adjusted vision of the reality of the one who publishes it.
When you are a victim of FOMO, the lack of connection generates anguish, anxiety and stress. For the same reason, it is very important that you do emotional regulation work. So have more real contacts than virtual ones. And plan activities outside of the technological world, such as walking or dancing.
Curiosity or obsession to know everything that is happening on the networks
The telephone is a very powerful tool. A permanent distractor that can seriously condition our life. The constant need to consult it, use it and be aware of what is happening on the internet can arise from the desire to receive the approval and admiration of others. While we’re all curious about what’s going on, we had better silence that curiosity. And prevent him from taking control of our lives.
Likewise, be aware that FOMO reaches more young people with family or social dependency. They often use networks to build and reaffirm their identity. That’s why they don’t want to miss out on what’s going on in the virtual world.
Finally, it’s important to understand that it’s okay to have a calmer life than some people seem to project on social media. It’s not worth comparing yourself or overdoing it. Devote your motivation to “real” goals. Try not to let networks end up erecting a barrier that isolates you from your friends and family. Critically analyze what your friends are posting on the net.
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