Social Media & Mental Health: FOMO vs. JOMO

The buzz of social media is increasing rapidly. It’s a place where we surf and peruse other people’s lives. However, scrolling through the feed, most of us might have got a FOMO feeling. That’s the fear of missing out! Such a feeling arises out of a deep sense of envy, putting a serious toll on your prestige. 

Contrary to the above, there’s JOMO, just the opposite, an acronym for the joy of missing out. This sociological phenomenon arose in response to FOMO. To declare one as a winner, read this blog more to understand the impact of the two on social media and mental health

Social Media and Mental Health

Over the past 20 years, social media has proliferated like wildfire. Thanks to technology, it has increased in usage. Today, billions of individuals are active on social media. In 2020, the global number of social media users exceeded 3.6 billion. Projections suggest that over 4 billion people will use social media by 2025. 

global number of social media users

Different generations often prefer different social media platforms. However, Facebook and YouTube are the most commonly used, reflecting their wide appeal across the general population. Remember the situation during the pandemic. With limited social interactions, many individuals found contentment at home. People got engaged in activities like scrolling news feeds or making reels at their ease. This way, they discovered they could be happier by spending more time on social media. 

However, the discussion about wellness now frequently includes social media and mental health. The issue isn’t as smooth as it may seem. One significant factor is our constant access to social media, with our phones always within reach. This makes it easy to use social media continuously, especially at night when our phones are by our bedside.

How Social Media Generates FOMO?

We often hear news reports warning about the negative effects of social media on teens. However, the situation isn’t so clear. There is no definitive proof that social media directly causes mental health problems. Factors like pre-existing conditions and social support also contribute significantly.

Many studies have investigated how the brain responds to social media. Consider Instagram, where you share a photo from your weekend with friends, and “likes” start coming in. Each like triggers a dopamine release in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, boosts mood, motivation, and attention. In this case, the “like” is the stimulus, the dopamine release is the reaction, and the resulting “feel-good” sensation is the social reward.

Suppose you received no reach in your post, and that moment fuels up the FOMO cycle. If your post doesn’t garner the expected response, it can spark a creeping feeling of social media anxiety. This cycle of seeking validation and fearing rejection keeps you glued to your screen and yearning for something more. 

What is FOMO, and how does it differ from JOMO?

In 2013, British psychologists described FOMO as ‘a pervasive fear that others are enjoying rewarding experiences without you,’ characterized by a constant need to stay connected with others’ activities. Whereas, JOMO is about fostering social connections, stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying new experiences. According to reports, around early 2024, Snapchat videos tagged with JOMO had accumulated nearly 53 million views. 

FOMO vs. JOMO

Full Form:

  • FOMO: Feeling of Missing Out
  • JOMO: Joy of Missing Out

Definition:

  • FOMO: A social trend closely associated with the increasing digitalization of our daily lives.
  • JOMO: More subtle and restful, inclined to make us creative within ourselves.

Impacts:

  • FOMO:
    • Exerts a powerful influence, repeatedly driving individuals back to social media.
    • Creates a pervasive sense of urgency, even for non-urgent matters.
    • Leads to incessant checking for updates and compulsive responses to notifications.
    • Can result in risky behaviors, like using phones while driving.
    • Disrupts sleep patterns and prioritizes virtual connections over real-life relationships, impacting personal well-being and social interactions.
  • JOMO:
    • Promotes a deliberate disconnection to engage more deeply with the offline world.
    • Encourages authenticity and a renewed sense of self, positively affecting mental well-being.
    • Stepping away from screens offers tangible benefits.

Example:

  • FOMO: A limited-time sale on your favorite brand pops up online. You see others tweeting about the amazing deals and frantically browse the website, worried you’ll miss out on the best bargains before they’re gone.
  • JOMO: Turning off notifications, putting your phone away, and enjoying a quiet evening reading a book – you savor the peace and disconnect, content with your choice.

Experts Opinion:

  • FOMO: “Fear of missing out is, in some ways, a modern-day version of ‘keeping-up-with-the-Jones’,” says Cathy Sullivan-Windt, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and founder of the New Connections Counseling Center.
  • JOMO: “JOMO is the satisfaction one feels in the current moment, with accompanying acceptance of what one doesn’t have in that moment,” says Sullivan-Windt.

So why is JOMO good for mental health?

The constant barrage of information and social pressure can be overwhelming. JOMO acts as a shield, protecting your mental well-being in several ways. For example, a teenager struggling with social media anxiety. Constantly bombarded with images of their peers at seemingly endless parties, they might feel left out and experience negative emotions like depression. JOMO empowers them to disconnect, pursue their interests, and find joy in activities that truly matter – spending time with real friends, playing music, or developing a new skill.

  1. Reduced Anxiety: By letting go of the need to keep up with everyone else, you free yourself from the anxiety that fuels FOMO. You stop comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s highlight reel. 
  2. Increased Self-Awareness: JOMO encourages you to become more aware of your triggers and what brings you genuine joy. Do endless social media interactions leave you feeling drained? Perhaps it’s time to curate your feed or take a break altogether. 
  3. Improved Focus: The constant FOMO loop can be distracting. JOMO helps you focus on what’s truly important – your goals, passions, and the people who matter most in your real life. 
  4. Greater Appreciation: When you embrace JOMO, you start appreciating the present moment and the simple joys in life. A walk in nature, a heartfelt conversation, or a creative pursuit – these experiences become more meaningful. 

How to cultivate more JOMO in your life?

The concept of ‘The Joy of Missing Out,’ or JOMO, has emerged as a prominent social media and mental health trend in 2024. It embraces the art of cherishing downtime by intentionally stepping away from busy social activities and social media, allowing individuals to find contentment in solitary moments practiced with mindfulness.

  • Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment. Savor a delicious meal, listen attentively to a friend, or enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Mindfulness helps you appreciate what you already have. 
  • Digital Detox: Take control of your social media experience. Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate. Set time limits or take breaks altogether. 
  • Personal Priorities: What truly matters to you? When you align your activities with your values, you’ll find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that social media comparisons can’t take away. 
  • Self-Compassion: Don’t feel pressured to attend every event or participate in every activity. Saying “no” allows you to focus your energy on things that bring you joy.

Enforce a Healthy Relationship With Cast Centres

There’s a strong likelihood that most of us engage with social media, aiming to meet our real-life social needs. However, understanding this relationship can be complex. Whether you’re a frequent user or not, your overall life satisfaction remains crucial. At Cast Centres, we offer outstanding care and services designed to enhance your mental health and overall quality of life with our specialized mental health treatments in Los Angeles. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and with our guidance, you can bring meaningful changes to your life.


Text Us At : 424-302-2598