All About Fomo- Fear of Missing Out

WHAT IS FOMO?

Not knowing the full form of fomo itself might give you a fomo.

Fomo- Fear of Missing Out refers to unease one can feel when they believe they are missing out on some exciting event, experiences, or opportunities that others they know are indulged in for growth and expansion.

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It has become a significant aspect of our lives, although it is not that FOMO is a bad thing, it is quite normal to have some FOMO but if you frequently have it then its impact can be particularly noteworthy. While FOMO isn’t exclusive to any particular age group, it’s the school students who find it difficult to deal with as they are susceptible to surrounding peer and digital interactions.

Also the role of social media in shaping their young nurturing mind cannot be denied.

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WHY FOMO (sources)

This digital age has brought us newer and easier ways of staying connected. Knowing what’s going on in a person’s life is just a click away. You can just see their story on instagram or open their snapchat to know what they are upto. Influencers and other personalities who share their lifestyle online only show a part of their lives- the curated moments and highlight reels of individuals’ lives, the happy part where everything is going right and they are happy all the time but guess what reality is different, everyone faces troubles and feels pain in their lives but showcasing their lives as vivid, interesting online leaves a false impression on people especially young school going students.

In search of validation and acceptance, the students find themselves comparing their own experiences and lifestyle to the seemingly glamorous lives portrayed online and get stuck in a continuous loop of FOMO. These all things leave a feeling of anxiety, self-lacking and fear of being left out.

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IMPACT OF FOMO

Seeing others engaged in activities and us feeling like we are missing out, FOMO can affect us both positively and negatively

POSITIVE EFFECTS

Increases adaptability : It can lead to increasing adaptability to new situations and help them to tackle difficult life situations and enhance their thinking capabilities

Increases social engagements: FOMO may push an individual to go out more often, network with other people, be a part of social circles which may ultimately help him, like improving their communication skills.

Exploring new fields: It encourages them to try new things and helps improve their life choices.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Academics: Trying to keep up with various activities due to peer pressure or digital influence can lead to decrease in study time, quality of study, less productivity and might degrade academic performance.(small picture of academics)

Psychological: It can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels due to constant comparison with others. It can also negatively affect focus and concentration by constantly engaging them in activities just due to FOMO.( small picture of brain)

Social: It can make a student have low self-esteem, feel inadequate or result in social isolation and setting up unrealistic expectations. Students may also find themselves constantly checking their social media feeds, fearing they might miss an important update or event, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, decreased focus on studies, and an overall reduced sense of well-being. FOMO can also drive students to conform to societal norms and peer expectations even if they don’t align with their own interests or values. This pressure to conform can stifle individuality, creativity, and personal growth.

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HOW TO COPE WITH FOMO

There are several strategies to cope with FOMO. While it can be a prevalent challenge, with proper guidance and steps, navigating through it will become easier.

Developing self-awareness and self-esteem : Encouraging students to believe in themselves, have a confident and strong body image, knowing their life principles, ethics, personal values. Help them explore their interests, passion which will help them in making better choices aligned with their goals and values and help them be authentic rather than chasing validation and succumbing to external pressures.

Creating a balance : Creating a balance between social activities, personal well-being and academic pursuits also prioritizing their commitments.

Conscious social media usage : Make students aware of the idealized portrayal of reality and that it doesn’t reflect the entirety of others’ lives on social media. Therefore, they should use social media mindfully and not believe everything they see. Young students get really influenced by the reels and stories they watch on a daily basis. Having a realization that they are self-sufficient will help them in not getting influenced.

Build resilience: Students should be guided to adapt to changing situations, life conditions, learn to bounce back from setbacks, make them understand that everyone goes through tough times and it’s okay to feel low sometimes. Focus on personal growth and not depend on external validation.

Healthy communication: Having healthy communication with friends and family can help a lot in getting your thoughts sorted and thinking clearly.

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Navigating through this digital age requires a combination of self-awareness, healthy coping mechanisms, and building resistance and resilience. As educators, parents, and mentors, it’s crucial to provide guidance and support to help students navigate the complexities of FOMO and develop the skills necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life in today’s interconnected world. Since the impact of FOMO is not exclusive to any particular age group, dealing with it requires a lot of patience and a positive self image but it is an issue that can be solved by personally getting better and having a positive mindset.

If you’re struggling with FOMO, our counseling services at Dreameer Education can provide guidance and support. Take the first step towards mental well-being and reach out to us for a consultation.

Contact Dreameer Education for Counseling and Support

Remember, you are more than your social media feed. Embrace your unique journey and focus on personal growth and fulfillment.

For expert guidance and assistance in choosing a College or a Career after Class XII,  Contact Dreameer Education today