Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO): Potential Problems And Solutions
Naturally, we compare ourselves to others. We may feel that other individuals have better lives and experiences than we do, whether it’s their relationships, social circles, careers, finances, or vacations. This is a term known as fear of missing out (or FOMO) and it is an all-too-common term we see circulating on social media.
FOMO is essentially social anxiety based on the idea that other individuals are having more fun or doing something more interesting while you’re “missing out”. Social media can exacerbate feelings of FOMO as people are typically posting their best experiences that they deem “post-worthy”. This can have many negative effects on an individual’s mental health.
How FOMO Affects Your Mental Health
FOMO can lead to an obsessive need to be connected with other individuals’ lives through social media, constantly checking to see what our friends are doing and if they are having more fun than we are. Because we only see their highlight reel, we may believe they live a better life than we do. This often leads to an individual feeling isolated and left out. They may experience lower self-esteem, social anxiety, and even symptoms of depression.
However, social media often depicts a false reality. Social media can be filled with filtered photos that are far from authentic. A person already having a difficult time with their self-esteem or sense of belonging may be heavily influenced when seeing photos of this nature, which can escalate their mental health concerns.
Social Media Detox
If you’re experiencing FOMO from social media use and it’s taken a toll on your mental health, it could be beneficial to reduce your dependency on it. Consider limiting the amount of time you spend each day on social platforms. Remove the notifications from your phone, so you don’t feel a need to check it all the time. Unfollowing or muting accounts that trigger feelings of FOMO can also help.
Not comparing ourselves to others might be easier said than done, so try an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach if you want to continue to enjoy the benefits of social media. Follow accounts that you find relatable or that inspire you. Remember that not everyone you follow is a friend in real life. It may help improve your mood to focus on building real-life connections outside of social media.
Practice Gratitude
If social media makes you feel as though other people’s lives are better than your own, it may be time to focus on all the positive things you have to be grateful for in your life. Remember that everyone is on a different journey and our paths are not linear, so comparing our lives to someone else’s may not be practical. Practicing gratitude is one way to overcome those feelings of FOMO. Keeping a journal and writing down at least one thing a day that you’re grateful for in your life could be a simple way to begin to incorporate gratitude in your daily life. Studies have shown individuals who regularly express gratitude in their life are happier overall and experience less stress and reduced symptoms of depression.
How Therapy Can Help
If you or a loved one are experiencing the negative effects of FOMO on your mental health, therapy can help. Seeing someone in person for this mental health concern might feel intimidating, though. You may feel like you’re being judged, for instance, or the environment may feel too clinical for such sensitive discussions. In these cases, online therapy could prove more feasible. Internet-based counseling makes some people feel more comfortable expressing vulnerable feelings. It can also be accessed from home or anywhere you have an internet connection, which may make it more convenient.
Research in the field of mental health has found that online therapy can be effective in treating an array of mental health conditions and illnesses, including depression and anxiety. One study discovered no significant differences between the effects of in-person therapy and online therapy in terms of post-treatment outcomes.
Take a look below at some reviews of BetterHelp therapists from people experiencing similar issues:
“Nancy is very knowledgeable of the things causing stress/anxiety in our lives today (covid, social media, addiction, self-love, money, family, etc. ) She is a wonderful listener and a quick responder. She backs up her advice with factual evidence, and overall makes you feel better.”
Learn More About Nancy Distefano
Takeaway
As human beings, we naturally compare ourselves to others and can sometimes experience a fear of missing out. If this FOMO is interfering with your daily life or causing you extreme symptoms of anxiety or depression, it may be time to talk to someone. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that can match you with a licensed therapist to help you overcome any mental health challenges you may be experiencing. Get matched with a therapist today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How Does Fear Of Missing Out Affect Mental Health?
Fear of missing out, or FOMO, can negatively impact an individual’s mental health. Social media creates a false reality that causes some individuals to feel isolated from social circles and experiences. This can create a stronger urge to always be connected on social media, creating a consuming cycle of constantly checking to see what others are doing. Recent studies have shown that FOMO can lead to individuals becoming extremely dissatisfied with their lives. These individuals may experience feelings of loneliness, lowered self-esteem, social anxiety, feelings of inferiority, and depression.
Why Does Social Media Cause Fear Of Missing Out?
Social media is a growing tool that individuals and businesses now rely on. While these platforms have many benefits, they also create FOMO, or fear of missing out, because most people only post highlights and the positive moments in their lives. This makes others feel like this is their life all the time and, in turn, makes the individual watching feel as though they are missing out on something. This can be especially true if the individual is in the same social circle but is not a part of a particular experience.
Is There A Connection Between Social Media “FOMO” And Depression?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), roughly 1 in 3 Americans feel that social media has had a negative impact on mental health. An overwhelming 9 out of 10 adults felt concerned for the mental health of children and teens using social media. Those individuals who are already experiencing symptoms of depression may find social media use can exacerbate those feelings. FOMO, or fear of missing out, is something some individuals experience when they see what their peers do. They may feel as if everyone is having fun and enjoying their time without them. This can make individuals feel symptoms of depression, as they feel left out of the experience.
How Do You Safeguard Your Mental Health From The Negative Effects Of Social Media?
It can be tricky to keep social media from affecting your mental health negatively. However, there are ways to make social media a positive experience. If you are following accounts or “friends” that consistently make you feel bad after watching their stories or seeing their posts, it may be time to unfollow them. Consider focusing on accounts that make you feel good or inspire you. You could also set daily limits on your social media use. Try to be present and experience your life outside of social media.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Social Media On Mental Health?
Social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health.
Here are some ways that social media can be positive:
Creates awareness around important issues, current events, and mental health concerns
Can be a great tool to connect with others, building relationships with like-minded people, which gives individuals a sense of belonging and combats loneliness
Normalizes mental health concerns and offers a wide range of support and treatment at the touch of our fingertips
Can help maintain relationships with our loved ones (A recent study found that 7 out of 10 people use social media to connect with family and friends.)
Here are some ways that social media can be negative:
It promotes cyberbullying, as it can be easier for people to say hurtful things while hiding behind their screens. Cyberbullying is linked to higher rates of depression and suicide among teenagers.
Social media can encourage anti-social behavior and reduce in-person interactions, which can make individuals feel isolated.
Social media can increase loneliness if an individual spends too much time on it, and it interferes with real-life interactions.
It can spread fake news rapidly, which may cause unnecessary mass panic that can be harmful.
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