Turn off FOMO and Embrace JOMO

You may have heard of the term FOMO and JOMO recently on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or, tiktok. So, what is it? FOMO is the fear of missing out. It is the perception that others are having fun, experiencing better things, and living a better life than you are. The FOMO is more alive at present with everyone posting every second of their life on social media sites like Instagram and tiktok. In contrast, JOMO refers to the Joy of missing out. It is the pleasure people experience from living a quiet and private life without being anxious about missing out on exciting things happening someplace else.

What is wrong with FOMO?

Nowadays, FOMO is everywhere. If you walk into a restaurant, you can see 80% of the people staring at their phones rather than having a conversation with the people around them. People are afraid they might miss out on something if they don’t constantly check their phones. And while checking their phone, they feel anxious about what their friends are doing and what they are missing out on.

The issue looks like it is something that technology gave birth to, but if you really look at it through the layers this is the problem of social comparison that has been rooted in our society for a very long time. Even before technology, we might be aware of the problem of social comparison which was present in the form of the phrases like “What will society/someone/ Mr. ——/Mrs.——say?”

The constant worry and anxiety from FOMO will lead to missing out on the moments that are actually in your life. It can also lower your confidence and self-esteem. This might hinder all aspects of your life including your career.

Why JOMO and how to embrace it?

JOMO is the pleasure you will find in missing out. Social media makes us believe that everyone is living their best life. Everyone is in the race of making the other person believe that they have the most beautiful life. But this might not be true.

Just take a step back from the race and enjoy your life. Start by limiting your social media use and see how much free time you will have. Putting your phone on airplane mode may be helpful. Slow down a little bit and take breaks often. You don’t need to be working 24/7. Don’t do things you don’t like or enjoy just because someone else is doing them. Don’t visit places you don’t want to or you can’t afford. It is okay to just sit relax and binge Netflix someday. Indulge in self-care. Enjoy the moments in your life with your friends, family, and loved ones.

JOMO is more than just turning away from social media, it is an act of shifting your mindset. It is about being in the moment and enjoying what is happening at the moment. This mindset can be very powerful. Try and experiment JOMO, I believe you will feel the difference.