SOCIAL MEDIA || 3 Ways on How Spending Too Much Time on the Internet Can Contribute to FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

Have you ever felt like you're missing out on something when you're on social media? 

You're not alone. FOMO, or fear of missing out, is a real thing. And social media can definitely contribute to it.

Here are 3 ways social media can make you feel FOMO:

1. Comparison: It's easy to compare yourself to others when you constantly see their highlight reels on social media. But remember, everyone only posts the good stuff. You don't know what's going on behind the scenes. If you’ve seen Reels showing Instagram vs. Reality, you know what we’re talking about.

2. Pressure to be constantly connected: With social media, we're always connected to the world around us. Staying connected can be a good thing, but it can also be a source of stress. When we feel like we must constantly check our social media feeds, it can be hard to relax and enjoy the moment.

3. The fear of missing out: This is the big one. When we're constantly seeing all the fun things that other people are doing, it can be easy to start feeling like we're missing out. 

We’re so caught up in the digital lifestyle now that we seek comfort in seeing what other people are up to on social media. But spending so much time seeing what other people are doing makes us feel like we haven’t accomplished as much as them.

So what can you do to manage FOMO?

1. Limit your time on social media: The less time you spend on social media, the less likely you are to compare yourself to others and feel FOMO. Social media isn’t your whole life. Remember when we had hobbies or enjoyed outdoor activities? Maybe it’s time to get back into those and enjoy the present moment rather than spend your days glued to the screen. 

2. Focus on your own life: Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own life and what you're grateful for. What are you doing that's making your life great? What makes you proud of yourself? What can you do to enjoy life more? These are all great questions to ask yourself so that you can stop comparing yourself with others.

Spend some time taking in the fresh air and clearing your mind outside, whether for a quick walk or yoga by the beach. 

3. Take breaks from social media: If you feel stressed or anxious after using social media, take a break. Go for a walk, read a book, or do something else you enjoy. Doing some meditation or yoga may help you take a break from the online world. In fact, we have some great articles on meditation and yoga to help you get started. Calming activities will help you take your mind off all the picture-perfect people online and let you return to reality. 

Remember, you're not alone. FOMO is a common feeling, but it's something you can manage. With a little effort, you can learn to enjoy your life without feeling like you're missing out. So don’t let it control your life and worry about what other people are doing. Instead, focus on yourself, the present, and the real-life people around you.