Internet FOMO
The internet has been both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it has given us unprecedented access to information and connection. We can now connect with people and resources from all over the world, and learn about anything we want with just a few clicks. However, this ease of access can also lead to problems.
For example, we may start to believe that we know more than we actually do, simply because we have easy access to all of this information. Additionally, the constant connectivity can fuel our fear of missing out (FOMO), leading us to constantly compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re falling behind. Ultimately, it has created an ecosystem of constant ‘information’ (if you can even call it that)
So what is FOMO?
We know it stands for fear of missing out but what is it really? It’s a feeling or rather a perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than yourself. It comes from a sense of envy and possible low self esteem. It’s exacerbated by the fact that we live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images and information about other people’s lives. Let’s talk more about that.
How Does The Internet Intensify FOMO?
With the rise and distribution of social media platforms our social ecosystems have drastically expanded. Now we have social media giving us a constant stream of information about what everyone else is doing, it’s easy to compare our own lives and feel that we come up short.
When I was a teenager social media was just revving up. We only added people we knew to our circle or friends list and it was not a central part of our social life….Yet. Fast forward to 2022 and I don’t know a single person (other than grandparents) who doesn't think Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat is not some sort of social club or ecosystem. According to a Daily social media usage worldwide 2012–2022 study done by the Statista Research Department on a daily average worldwide we are on social media 147 minutes per day. That’s over 2 hours, roughly 10.2% of our day.
What Can I Do To Get Rid Of Internet Related FOMO?
Well, you can’t exactly get rid of it but here are some tips and tricks to help alleviate it:
Take a social media detox. I know in today’s world that isn't always possible but there are ways around it. Do you really need to be on Facebook? Or is it just FOMO kicking in?
Limit your time on social media. On an iPhone all you have to do is go to Settings > Screen Time, then turn on screen time if you haven’t already. Tap App Limits, then tap Add Limit. You don’t have to take drastic measures but see how much time you already spend a day and then lessen it by 10 minutes and see how that feels, go at your own pace.
Clean out the trash. Purge that friend list! Unfollow pages that you really don’t care about! This will clean up your feed, remember you are in charge of what you see, take advantage of that.
The Internet is a powerful tool that has many benefits, but it can also be harmful in ways we don’t often think about. In this article, we’ve talked about FOMO and how the Internet can intensify it. We’ve also shared some tips on how to limit the FOMO you feel. Stay tuned for my next article on digital detoxing — I will share some strategies on how to take a break from the Internet and focus on yourself!
