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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full Form:
Definition:
Impacts:
Example:
Experts Opinion:
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.
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.
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.
CAST Treatment Centers is Proud to Celebrate Over 18 Years
Helping Individuals & Families
Substance Abuse
CAST Treatment Centers
630 N Doheny Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424-302-2598
Email
632 N Doheny Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424-302-2598
Email
CAST Treatment Centers is licensed by the California State Department of Health Care Services. DHCS Certification for Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services.
License Number: 190936BP.
Expiration Date: 8/31/2025.
Copyright © 2022 CAST Treatment Centers. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | HIPAA | Terms of Use | Site Map