The Anxiety Induced by Not Participating: An Examination of the Impact of Fear of Missing Out on One's Well-being
In the modern world, where social media reigns supreme, a phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) has become increasingly prevalent. This negative emotional state, resulting from unmet social relatedness needs, can have a significant impact on one's physical, mental, and emotional health.
Amy Sullivan, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with expertise in psychology, actively addresses FOMO by helping individuals manage anxiety and improve well-being. Dr. Sullivan suggests setting appropriate limits on social media use as a means to combat this issue.
FOMO can occur due to seeing people you love or follow on social media doing cool things, or due to parasocial relationships. It's similar to the long-time phenomenon known as "Keeping up with the Joneses". For instance, someone who enjoys reading may feel inadequate when seeing someone else's long list of books read over a year, while an athlete may experience stress when they see someone they look up to working out frequently, feeling they can't commit to the time or keep up with such high standards.
Understanding one's worth, interests, and values can help in not comparing oneself to others and bringing down self-worth. Taking inventory of values can help in understanding what brings joy, confidence, and self-worth. Developing a sense of self is vital in all stages of life, and this introspection can be a key step in overcoming FOMO.
Recognizing triggers is important in managing FOMO. If someone tends to feel FOMO when scrolling through their social media feed, setting limits can involve deactivating social media accounts, saving social media involvement for weekends, or imposing time limits on smartphone usage. Identifying triggers can help in avoiding or preparing for reactions when those triggers occur.
However, it's crucial to remember that FOMO can affect anyone, not just those who use social media extensively. It's not uncommon for someone who is socially involved in real life to feel left out, anxious, or like they're not doing enough when they see others traveling or experiencing new things.
If symptoms of FOMO become disruptive to daily life, it's important to seek help. Seeking assistance from a psychologist who specializes in interpersonal therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing FOMO. Dr. Sullivan advises not to be jealous but to be grateful for friends who have people who care about them.
Lastly, it's essential to evaluate the reality of social media. What is seen online is usually only a sliver of the actual situation. It's important to remember that everyone has their own struggles and challenges, and it's crucial to focus on personal growth and well-being rather than comparing oneself to others.
