Why do we respond immediately when the boss sends a message in a WhatsApp group?
Some individuals promptly send a response, even at midnight.
The worry is that someone else might reply early and better.
This phenomenon is named FOMO, “Fear Of Missing Out”—a new type of anxiety.
FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out
FOMO is a new type of anxiety that has emerged with the advent of social media and constant connectivity. It’s that nagging feeling that if we don’t respond immediately, someone else might reply earlier and perhaps even better. We fear missing out on exciting or essential things in our digital environment.
The fear of missing out can be so intense that it leads to a constant desire to stay connected to social media, to always be in the loop, and to respond promptly to every message. But is this continuous digital tethering necessary, or is there another way to look at it?
JOMO – Joy Of Missing Out
Conversely, there’s a perspective that offers a refreshing take on our digital habits. A friend of mine recently shared his experience. He took a bold step and uninstalled all video streaming apps from his mobile device. Why? To fully immerse himself in a Marketing course at ISB-Hyderabad.
His determination paid off as he completed the course, all without the distractions of binge-watching. He is now happy. He now experiences what is aptly named “JOMO,” or the “Joy of Missing Out.”
The Joy of Being Present
JOMO represents the joy we can find in missing out on mindless scrolling, binge-watching, and immediate digital responses. The satisfaction comes from being fully present and focused on essential pursuits, like educational courses or quality time with loved ones.
This brings us to a critical question: do we need to respond instantly to every message, especially when it’s late at night? The answer may not be a resounding “yes.” We should consider how our digital habits affect productivity, mental well-being, and personal growth.
The Balance
While staying connected on social media has merits, finding a balance between FOMO and JOMO is crucial. It’s essential to be mindful of our digital consumption and to recognize when it’s time to unplug and embrace the joy of missing out on digital noise.
Consider the fine line between FOMO and JOMO and choose the path that aligns with your goals and well-being.