In the past decade, social media platforms like Instagram have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s scrolling through our feeds, uploading pictures of our latest adventures, or connecting with friends, these platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate and share our experiences. However, as much as these platforms have enhanced our social connections, they have also altered our relationship with social media, giving rise to a phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). But recently, a new trend has emerged: JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out), which is reshaping the way we engage with Instagram.
FOMO refers to the feeling of anxiety or fear one experiences when they perceive that others are having exciting experiences without them. On platforms like Instagram, where people carefully curate their lives, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap and feel inadequate or left out. Countless hours can be spent mindlessly scrolling through picture-perfect feeds, filled with extravagant vacations, parties, and achievements, and this can lead to a distorted perception of reality. FOMO has given birth to a constant need for validation and a sense of urgency, pushing people to continuously seek out new experiences and document every moment to share online.
However, alongside FOMO, people are starting to embrace a more conscious and self-satisfying approach to social media: JOMO. JOMO encourages individuals to disconnect from the world of constant updates and notifications, and instead, find joy in being present in the moment and appreciating what they have. It involves consciously choosing how and when to engage with social media, and prioritizing real-life experiences over virtual ones. JOMO encourages individuals to focus on their own wellbeing and mental health rather than obsessing over the lives of others.
Instagram, being one of the most popular social media platforms, is at the forefront of this shift from FOMO to JOMO. In response to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive social media use, Instagram has introduced several features aimed at promoting mental wellness and reducing FOMO. One notable addition is the “mute” function, allowing users to hide posts or stories from accounts that might trigger feelings of inadequacy or envy. Another feature is the “activity status” indicator, which enables users to control who can see when they were last active on the platform, giving them the freedom to disconnect without feeling the pressure to constantly be available.
Moreover, Instagram has also taken steps to tackle the issue of comparison by implementing measures to make the platform feel more authentic and less filtered. For instance, the introduction of the “Hide Like Counts” feature allows users to focus more on the content they are consuming rather than the number of likes a post receives. By removing the public display of validation, Instagram is encouraging users to engage with content that genuinely interests and inspires them, rather than chasing popularity.
However, the responsibility to shift from FOMO to JOMO also lies with the users themselves. By curating their own feed, unfollowing accounts that make them feel inadequate, and establishing boundaries regarding their social media usage, individuals can actively combat FOMO and embrace JOMO. They can strive for a more mindful approach to social media by setting aside dedicated time for technology-free activities, focusing on real-life connections, and rejecting the idealized portrayal of life that is often present on social media.
Ultimately, the transformation from FOMO to JOMO reflects a growing realization that our mental well-being and happiness should not be dependent on the likes, comments, or status updates we receive. Instagram, along with other social media platforms, is not inherently good or bad; it is how we choose to engage with them that determines the impact they have on our lives. By consciously reshaping our relationship with social media and embracing JOMO, we can find a healthier balance and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment.