FOMO? — a trending psychological phenomenon common among the younger generation that stands for “Fear Of Missing Out.” Unfortunately, this IS a real anxiety. Try getting on Instagram or Twitter and browsing #FOMO, or Googling it and reading the hundreds of posts. The acronym was even added to the Oxford Dictionaries Online. We live in a society that thrives on the “social life.” Extroverts are praised over introverts, coffee shops are booming, and the Internet serves as a place to socialize more than a place to research and gather information. It’s not a bad thing that we are social beings – we are made to be social. It’s when our social lives (or lack there-of) begin to disrupt our happiness or contentment that we need to take a step back and make some changes. I have no chance of stopping FOMO by writing one blog post. I can, however, help you understand it and offer tips on how to resist it: Understand – It’s Normal FOMO is not shameful or wrong, it’s natural. It’s what we do with that “fear” that determines our character. For example: Your friends go out for a late night snack, and you know you will fail your next exam if you go with them… But fear kicks in: Sound familiar? Well, don’t worry, because it happens to almost EVERYONE. It’s important to understand that this fear is not uncommon or crazy, because then we can rationalize our thoughts and actions. Why? Why does it happen? We are constantly exposed to what our friends are doing through social media. Some may argue that Facebook, Twitter and Instagram drive people toward FOMO. Others argue that FOMO drives people toward social media because they feel the need to know what others are doing at all times. Either way, the result is the same: jealousy, insecurity and loneliness. Just Say No
It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
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AuthorHello! My name is Kelly Reed and I was born and raised in the flatlands of Indiana. |