When hanging out with friends or attending an event, people are mostly reluctant to leave earlier. “Something exciting always happens after I leave” is what someone who has a fear of missing out, or FOMO, would say. It doesn’t help that social media in general has instigated this fear.
The availability of the internet means there’s a lot of information out there, and people always like to be in the know. That also means people can share updates about their lives, and others may feel left out because they weren’t part of the update or they don’t have a similar update in life. However, there are those who are happy to miss out on a few things. The joy of missing out, or JOMO, offers a rewarding experience to individuals who prefer the quieter side of things.
What does JOMO mean? Reward and relaxation
With digital detox, mental health focus, and quiet-living preference emerging nowadays, some people choose not to bother themselves with what’s trending. In a loud world filled with online debacles, solitude is what others aim for. JOMO could help someone lead a more sustainable lifestyle and make more budget-conscious decisions. If one is not spending money on things bought on a whim, the money can be allotted to more vital things.
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While JOMO can be helpful, giving into wants rather than needs from time to time also has a positive impact on people. Splurging and spoiling oneself occasionally is a rewarding experience for the hard work done. As long as we are spending within our means and being financially conscious, buying something as a reward may lead to more motivation in the future. While we may never get to experience everything we want all at once, we can divert our focus on those we can immerse ourselves in.
Social media and FOMO
Opposite to JOMO is FOMO, which happens when one’s negative emotion is triggered by seeing other people enjoy or experience things without them. The feeling could also come from the perception that other people have it better than them–lifestyle, luxury, and overall well-being. According to a study, “social avoidance and loneliness as not self-determined solitude could activate the fear of missing out, which could affect mental health.” Social media posts of travels and achieving milestones such as getting a new car can trigger sadness or even anxiety in others.
When people see something on social media, they often jump into the chaos and follow suit, regardless of what it may cost them. When you put celebrities and influencers into that equation, that can get out of hand. Even offline, FOMO can manifest itself in the form of missed social and work gatherings. This triggers the feeling of being out of place. In cases like this, one could use some time to reflect and experience JOMO.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Caroline Veronez.
Source: BMC Psychology
