In the simplest explanation, FOMO means Fear of Missing Out. Having fomo means have the fear of missing out on social events, things happening, having the latest things or posts seen on social media.
I personally think that smartphones and social media are the cause of FOMO. Everyone is constantly updating things and people are feeding off from it. If you're not in tuned with the latest celebrity gossip, product out, looked at what that girl or that guy is up to on IG or watched the latest video within hours of it being launched. You are missing out! News on social media hype so fast like a paparazzi spotting a celebrity in a skort and die down equally as fast! There is a constant pressure to be on top of things and show off to people what a great life you have. Your amazing holiday photos, your #relationshipgoals photos and delicious meals at fancy restaurants.
I am starting to realise that I have FOMO. I get fidgety when I am not on my phone. I want to scroll my Facebook and Instagram feed for the latest of the latest updates every free minute. I read so much rubbish, I like the same mandatory travel selfies and know useless information about people who are not in my life. I didn't realise how attached I am to my phone until Don pointed it out. Since then, I have been trying to lessen my use of social media and only post positive & happy things. At one point, it felt like it was taking over my life. After talking to some like-minded friends, we have come up with some tips to deal with FOMO.
 |
| This is us |
Here's how I am handling my FOMO
01 Turn off your notification
Not turn off your calls or messages notification. Just your social media alerts. I can scroll my news feed forever! I will keep pulling down my Facebook feed to refresh for new things. I disabled my notifications and only refresh my social media when I have free time.
02 Set rules for yourself
My addiction to my phone has become so bad that I needed to have time out for myself. The first time I realised that I was overly attached to my phone was when Don and I were setting up to watch a movie at home. He was trying to get comfortable and I just sat down and played with my phone. He sternly told me to get off my phone and enjoy the movie.
Now I set rules for myself where
1. If I am with friends and family - I cannot look at my social media but allowed to reply emails.
2. No phone at the dinner table (unless I need to take photos).
3. No phone when I am out with Don. We hardly get to spend time together, so all IG photos can wait until we are resting. Phones are allowed for photos only.
4. If I am out alone, I can only scroll my social media for 5 minutes every hour.
03 Don't believe everything you see
Whenever I see photos of people with amazing holiday and food photos. I try to not get so worked up. People only put up photos of what they want you to see. No one is going to put up photos of bills they have to pay or when they're having a bad day. No one wants you to see the troubles or their boring day to day life. Not everything is perfect in this world. I always remind myself to live in the moment and enjoy life. Don't get caught up with someone else's.
04 Be grateful with what you have
Never feel like you need to go somewhere or go to events because of peer pressure. Just because this and that person is going you don't have to. Don't go out of your way for things you don't 100% feel for. If you think you have enough, then be grateful for what you have! Live your life!
How do you handle your FOMO? Do you have FOMO?
No comments :
Post a Comment