FOMO and Its Fallout: How Social Media Impacts Your Mental Health

In today’s digitized era, social media has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily existence. It not only facilitates connections with loved ones, sharing of memories, and global interaction but is also a commonplace fixture for students maturing in this digital age.

Many students devote considerable time daily to navigating their social media feeds. While this platform offers numerous advantages, it also corresponds with a rising concern regarding mental health issues, especially among the youth. FOMO, or the “Fear Of Missing Out,” and its repercussions play a significant role in this alarming trend. While the concept of FOMO is not new and has existed as long as human comparison has, the proliferation of social media has exacerbated its impact.

What is FOMO?

FOMO refers to the anxiety stemming from the perception of potentially missing out on exciting or significant events. It’s a sentiment especially prevalent among students who feel they aren’t on par with their peers regarding academic accomplishments, social engagements, or personal development. The omnipresence of social media has augmented FOMO’s reach, positioning it as a primary factor behind mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and burnout among students.

Related Terms

In the wake of FOMO, several analogous terms have emerged:

• FOBO (Fear of Better Options): Apprehension about overlooking superior alternatives.
• MOMO (Mystery of Missing Out): Anxiety about missing out, without clarity on what’s being missed.
• ROMO (Reality of Missing Out): Acknowledgement of not missing out on anything significant.
• FOJI (Fear of Joining In): Reluctance to share on social media due to fear of inadequate engagement.
• JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): A counterpoint to FOMO, it symbolizes contentment in disengaging or staying disconnected from social media.

What Research Indicates

With the ubiquity of social media platforms, the susceptibility of students to FOMO and its subsequent effects has heightened.

• According to a study jointly conducted by Aligarh Muslim University and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) titled “Smartphone Dependency, Hedonism and Purchase Behaviour: Implications for Digital India Initiatives,” it was found that college students in India, driven by anxiety and FOMO, checked their smartphones over 150 times daily.
• The Department of Health and Human Services has pointed out that while social media has its merits, research indicates youths spending in excess of three hours daily on such platforms are at twice the risk of confronting adverse mental health outcomes.

Also Read: Why are the young people NOT OKAY?

General Notion Among Students

There is a prevalent belief among students regarding the benefits of social media. Some of these perceived advantages include:

• A sense of greater acceptance and belongingness through social media interactions.
• Opportunities to provide support and assistance to peers.
• A platform to exhibit and share their creative skills and talents.
• Enhanced connectivity with their friends and awareness of their activities. Consequently, an overreliance on these platforms often leads to the phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Irony of FOMO

The underlying issue with FOMO is its often elusive nature. Many students might not associate their underlying anxiety with the fear of being excluded from peer activities. This nebulous feeling of discomfort and restlessness may be misdiagnosed, thereby making it challenging to address the root cause.

Moreover, the design of social media platforms, with their notifications, likes, and other engagement-driven features, propels students to remain continuously active and invested. The embedded pressure to stay updated, coupled with the fear of missing out on something pivotal or exhilarating, can foster an obsessive pattern, further spiralling into mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Understanding FOMO and its Roots in Social Media Addiction

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, isn’t just a trendy term; it is a real psychological issue deeply connected to our social media habits. It is the anxiety that others are having good experiences from which one is absent. It often leads to a compulsive desire to stay continuously connected with what others are doing.

Why Social Media Fuels FOMO?

• Curated Perfection: People often share only the highlights of their lives, creating an unrealistic portrayal of happiness. 
• Constant Comparison: We compare our everyday lives to others’ best moments, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Dopamine Rush: Social media engagement triggers dopamine release, making us crave more likes and updates.

The Impact of FOMO

• Emotional Distress: This can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Behavioural Changes: This may cause compulsive social media checking and neglecting real-life interactions.
• SelfEsteem Issues: Lowers self-esteem and satisfaction with one’s own life.

The Feedback Loop

Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by showing content that triggers emotional responses, including FOMO. This creates a feedback loop where users spend more time on platforms to relieve their anxiety, indirectly strengthening the cycle.

Coping Strategies

• To manage FOMO, students can:
• Set boundaries for social media usage.
• Focus on real-life interactions.
• Practice mindfulness to stay present.
• Recognise that social media often presents an unrealistic picture of life.

FOMO: Symptoms and Behavioural Patterns

Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, with their incessant influx of content, foster an environment conducive for students to contrast their lives with their peers. Such patterns are clear indicators of FOMO, drawing students away from real-life engagements.

The subsequent behaviours and signs might be evident:

• Students may become trapped in a detrimental cycle of perpetual comparison, self-evaluation, and the pressure to curate a pristine online persona, often divergent from their authentic selves.
• A relentless urge to monitor their social feeds to avoid missing out on any significant updates can develop.
• If this dependency intensifies, students might forgo recreational activities such as watching television, engaging in sports, attending classes, or even outings like shopping or dining, in favour of being online.
• A growing inclination towards social media or online games becomes apparent.
• Escapism via the Internet becomes a coping mechanism for personal issues.
• Students might overly discuss or reference platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter, exhibiting an overt reliance on digital interactions.
• They may instinctively reach for their devices upon waking.
• Some might manage multiple accounts across platforms, incessantly shuffling between them, marked by heightened anxiety.
• The notification sound from their device might elicit an immediate, almost conditioned response, even amidst other activities. They might also exhibit an urgency to respond or seek instant validation from online interactions.
• An escalating need for immediate gratification and a sense of victimization due to perceived information deprivation might manifest.
• Excessive internet usage might begin adversely affecting their relationships, academic performance, or other essential facets of life.

How Does Social Media Impact Mental Health?

Social media has become an undeniable force in everybody’s lives, offering connection, entertainment, and information. However, its constant presence can also negatively impact mental well-being. Social Media Impact Mental Health in the following ways:

• Increased Anxiety and Depression: Excessive social media use shows symptoms of anxiety and depression. This can be due to factors like social comparison, FOMO (fear of missing out), and cyberbullying.
• Body Image Issues: Social media is often filled with unrealistic depictions of beauty and physique. Constant exposure to these images can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and even eating disorders.
• Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted from electronic devices and the stimulating nature of social media can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep, in turn, can worsen mood, concentration, and overall mental health.
• Social Isolation: Ironically, excessive social media use can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can happen if online interactions replace real-life connections or if social media posts display a deformed view of social life.
• Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors: Social media platforms are designed to be highly engaging, triggering the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical. This can lead to compulsive checking behaviours and feelings of anxiety when disconnected from the platform.

Impact of FOMO and Social Media on Mental Health

The array of emotions triggered by FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, can seriously overshadow any potential positive effects of social media on students’ mental well-being. Some of the concerning implications include:

• Students may attempt to reduce their internet usage, particularly for social networking or gaming, but often without success.
• Denying students access to the internet can result in them feeling anxious or agitated.
• FOMO can lead to an increased sense of anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, and burnout.
• Such pressures can cause students to feel discontented with their lives, leading them to disengage from real-world interactions.
• Prolonged hours on social media can lead to inadequate sleep, reduced attention spans, and poorer academic performance, further intensifying feelings of anxiety and isolation.
• This can foster feelings of insufficiency and diminished self-worth.
• Other emotional consequences include a negative self-perception, fear of failure, envy, and a heightened fear of missing out.
• Some students might even turn to harmful addictions like drugs or engage in antisocial activities.
• In extreme cases, students may harbour suicidal tendencies, which, in the gravest of circumstances, could lead to tragic outcomes.

What are Three Ways in Which Social Media Contributes to the Phenomenon of FOMO?

Here are three ways social media contributes to FOMO:

1. Curated Perfection: Social media platforms are filled with carefully crafted snapshots of people’s lives, showcasing vacations, adventures, and exciting events. These highlight reels create an illusion that everyone else’s life is constantly thrilling, making our routines seem dull by comparison and fueling FOMO.
2. Constant Comparison: The continuous stream of updates on social media encourages comparison with others. We see friends’ achievements, trips, and fun outings, often without seeing their behind-the-scenes struggles. This social comparison can trigger FOMO, as we feel like we’re missing out on the best experiences others are having.
3. Dopamine Rush and Social Validation: Social media engagement is designed to be rewarding, with likes, comments, and shares triggering the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone. This creates a cycle where we seek more validation and prioritize experiences that may garner online approval. This focus on external validation can amplify FOMO, causing anxiety if we perceive others as having more liked experiences or if our own posts don’t receive enough attention.

Overcoming FOMO in the Age of Social Media

Addressing the ramifications of social media on students’ mental health requires a multifaceted approach. While the virtual space has its perks, its excessive use can be detrimental. The pervasive nature of platforms has accentuated the FOMO phenomenon among students. Thus, to mitigate its impact:

• Setting boundaries on social media usage can enhance mental wellbeing.
• Students should remain aware of their emotions during online interactions and sidestep negative spirals.
• Recognizing that social media often portrays an embellished reality is crucial.
• Occasional digital detoxes can be beneficial.
• Prioritizing genuine, offline connections can offset feelings of isolation.
• Students should foster healthy tech habits and involve themselves in wellbeing centric activities.
• It’s essential to advocate for selfcare, self acceptance, and occasional breaks from the digital realm.
• Seeking professional counseling can help prioritize mental health.
• Recognizing and circumventing specific FOMO triggers can be advantageous.
• Positive habits can be cultivated to replace FOMOdriven behaviors.
• A mindful approach to social media consumption can also be nurturing.
• Investing time and energy in real world activities can diminish the pull of the online world.
• Support from educational institutions and parents can cultivate an open, accepting environment, empowering students to voice their concerns and seek assistance when required.

Also Read: 5 High Income Skills To Learn In 2024

Conclusion

In the modern digital landscape, FOMO has become an alarming concern, particularly impacting students’ mental wellbeing, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. It is imperative for educators, parents, and students to collaborate in championing healthier social media habits and establishing a culture that foregrounds mental wellness. Through mindfulness, selfcare, and controlled social media engagement, the detrimental effects of FOMO can be mitigated, fostering improved mental health.

Read More: Effects of Social Media on Student Mental Health

FAQs

1. What is an example of FOMO social media?

Scenario: You open Snapchat and see several friends posting stories from a music festival you wanted to attend. Their snaps show close-ups of the energetic crowd, popular artists performing, and glimpses of delicious festival food.

FOMO triggers:

• Limited-Time Experience: Music festivals are often one-time events, and the stories highlight the fleeting nature of the experience.
• Social Proof: Seeing multiple friends attending the festival creates a sense of “everyone’s doing it” which can amplify the fear of missing out.
• Missing Out on Shared Experience: You might feel left out of the excitement and camaraderie your friends are sharing at the event.

This situation converts into FOMO by showcasing a unique and social experience you did not participate in. The feeling of missing a special event with friends can be a strong trigger for FOMO.

2. How can social media cause anxiety?

Social media can cause anxiety by making us feel like we need to keep up with an idealized version of life. Seeing others’ exciting posts can make us worry about missing out on fun or important things. Comparing ourselves to others online can make us feel bad about ourselves. Cyberbullying and negative comments can also make us anxious. Social media can be addictive, making us constantly check for likes and comments, which can mess up our sleep and daily routines. Using social media too much can affect how we feel, making us more anxious overall.

3. How does the internet affect mental health?

The internet can impact mental health differently. It helps us find information, connect with others for support, and access resources that can make us feel better. But using the internet too much, especially on social media, can cause anxiety, unhappiness, and depression because we compare our lives to others. The internet’s fast pace can disturb sleep and make it hard to spend time with friends in real life. Being online all the time can also make us less productive and more lonely.  It is important to use the internet wisely to stay mentally healthy, enjoying its good parts while avoiding its bad effects.

4. How many people get FOMO from social media?

56% of people are afraid of missing out on events, news and important status updates if they are away from social networks. Facebook is the most common FOMO contributor (72%), followed by Instagram (14%), Twitter (11%), and Pinterest (8%) (source).

5. What is the full form of FOMO?

The full form of FOMO is “Fear of Missing Out.”