FOMO Syndrome: Feeling That Other People’s Lives Are More Interesting
The feeling of missing something or FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out) It has been recognized by psychologists as a disorder caused by the advancement of technology and the number of options that are presented to people today. The cause of this phenomenon is being continuously connected to the network.
In previous articles of Psychology and Mindwe echoed the growing phenomenon of selfies and made reference to the importance of education to prevent the possible harmful use that we face by being always connected.
The number of individuals who they feel that their life is much less interesting than those of their acquaintances is growing. Wanting to be accepted by others has always existed, and it is something logical since it refers to social identity. Nobody likes to feel left out. We tend to function in society wanting to be recognized by the different groups of which we are part: our family, our childhood friends, university friends, co-workers, among others.
Social media and FOMO
Social networks expose the variety of activities that one could be doing at any given moment and provide a multitude of opportunities for social interaction. The problem is that many times There are more options than we can handle and this can lead to the perception that others are having better experiences than us. In these cases, contact with reality is lost and it is the imagination that plays a determining role when interpreting what we see through these media.
By being connected 24 hours a day through our smartphonesthis feeling can be experienced not only at various times a day, but with the different groups to which we belong. This can lead us to always be aware of this showcase to be able to stand out among our contacts and show the great social life we have.
Research on FOMO Syndrome
Recently, Mylife.com published an interesting study by Dr. Andy Przybylski in which he investigated more than 2,000 adults in the United States about their ability to disconnect from their smartphones.
The study concluded that FOMO Syndrome It is more intense among young people and among young men in particular and high levels of this syndrome, correlate positively with social circumstances such as low level of social satisfaction, which causes feelings of inferiority. Research suggests that FOMO can cause problems with people’s mental health, as it can cause depression or anxiety. Other previous studies conclude that individuals who place more value on social networks as part of their social development tend to experience more FOMO.
On social networks We try to show how we want to be and not how we really are being able to perceive that the lives of others are free of problems and are much more interesting and exciting than ours. Social identity, especially among young people who live immersed in new technologies, is largely created through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The fact is clear that this new way of life is “shaping” the lives of adolescents in an alarming way, whether for better or worse.
In context: FOMO syndrome and the technological society
Experts warn us that this syndrome is a consequence of a type of cognitive distortion which leads to irrational thoughts. For people prone to this type of thinking, social networks can be harmful. Even so, they recommend that completely disconnecting from social networks does not solve the problem since it is only a way of avoidance. Cognitive behavioral therapies or other forms of psychotherapy can help correct negative thoughts.
As we have already commented in other articles, Education is basic to prevent this type of pathologies associated with the use of new technologies and it must be done from an early age to provide minors with useful tools that allow them to maintain strong self-esteem, despite external influences.
Social networks are attractive because they are a space where adolescents are protagonists and are an ideal place to interact with other groups of people who use their own language and share their tastes and interests. But as socializing agents that they are, They also transmit values. It is the task of adults to ensure that these young people understand the positive and negative consequences of their use.
