A Psychologist Explains How To Embrace ‘Digital JOMO’

The "Joy Of Missing Out" makes passing on seemingly important social events a positive thing. Here’s ... [+] how you can use JOMO to fight manufactured FOMO. In our digitally driven world, bombarded by constant connectivity and information overload, the pursuit of the “Joy of Missing Out” (JOMO) has become a vital refuge for our mental well being.

As the antithesis to the ubiquitous “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO), JOMO urges us to relish the present, find contentment in solitude and prioritize genuine connections over the ceaseless buzz of digital chatter. A growing body of evidence highlights the benefits of JOMO, with some revelations occurring serendipitously.

A notable instance unfolded on October 4, 2021, when a global disruption due to Meta’s technical failure caused a six hour outage of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Subsequent surveys among social media users revealed a dichotomy of experiences: while many felt stress due to the temporary loss of access, a subset discovered a sense of relief and even experienced positive emotions, capturing the essence of JOMO.

It’s crucial to recognize that the pursuit of JOMO in the information age doesn’t imply apathy or a disregard for important global events. Instead, it underscores the significance of mindful consumption—choosing when and how to engage with sensational, overstimulating or potentially triggering content—ensuring a balanced approach to consumption that safeguards mental and emotional health.

The pursuit of JOMO can help you achieve the delicate balance between staying informed and preserving overall well being. Moving beyond the well trodden paths of logging off social platforms, here are two underexplored ways to cultivate the elusive yet invaluable joy of missing out in our lives. 1. Curate Your Feed It might not be essential to disconnect entirely for the sake of cultivating JOMO.

Some researchers propose that embracing mindful habits to regulate social media usage can be key in transitioning from FOMO to JOMO without completely abandoning social media. The initial step involves developing greater awareness of your media consumption patterns. Managing the constant barrage of news can induce stress and anxiety, underscoring the need for a strategic approach to staying informed.

Instead of succumbing to distressing headlines or the pressures of constant updates on social media, intentionally curate your feed to make your online presence purposeful. Being intentional about media consumption empowers us to deepen connections with our surroundings, relationships and personal experiences, setting in motion a transformative practice that liberates us from digital noise and allows a fuller appreciation of the present.

2. Engage In Digital Detox A study published in Social Media and Society examined discussions on Instagram regarding breaks from social media. The research focused on hashtags such as “#socialmediadetox” and identified three primary themes. So, how can you carefully cultivate this lifestyle? Here are a couple of steps to get you started.

Conclusion While cultivating JOMO, it’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone inevitably misses out on various aspects of life, given its vastness. Find joy in your personal experiences, whether in the company of loved ones or during solitary moments, without fixating on the activities of others. The key lies in maintaining mindfulness and understanding how focusing on others can divert attention from your own life.

Is your FOMO pushing you to the limit? Take this psychological assessment to know if your FOMO is a cause for concern: Fear Of Missing Out Scale.