Currently Present In the Day: FOMO Vs JOMO

No, Laura has NOT lost her complete mind. THESE are legit acronyms that you should be familiar with, because these are legit things that are going on today. You know, with people. We have become a nosy nation, so these are things that you should be aware of.

FOMO is an acronym for the “fear of missing out.” JOMO stands for the “joy of missing out.” Are these related? Yes! FOMO I like to equate with digital life and JOMO I equate with analog or “unplugged” life.

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, happens when a person “fears” that they might be “missing out” on something crucial, that they have to be up-to-date on EVERYTHING. Current events/happenings through the news, apprised of everyone’s social status online, and “in” with the latests fashions and trends. They literally fear that their existence will cease or be less if they “miss out” on something.

Like everything, there are pros and cons to FOMO. Here are the actual Pros of FOMO:

1. Increased Social Engagement: FOMO can motivate individuals to participate in social activities and events they might otherwise skip, leading to new experiences and connections.
2. Staying Informed: It encourages people to stay updated with trends, news, and opportunities, helping them remain relevant and engaged in various aspects of life.
3. Motivation: FOMO can drive people to set and achieve personal and professional goals, pushing them to take actions they might otherwise avoid.

However, here are the Cons of FOMO:

1. Reduced Satisfaction: Focusing on what others are doing can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s own life and experiences, undermining personal happiness.
2. Stress and Anxiety: Constantly feeling like you’re missing out can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, negatively affecting mental health.

JOMO, or the joy of missing out, happens when a person doesn’t care what is going on and “unplugs” from society. The “joy” comes from missing out or opting out of activities and prioritizing self care.

There are also pros and cons to JOMO. The Pros of JOMO:

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Embracing JOMO can lead to a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind, as you no longer feel pressured to constantly keep up with others.
2. Improved Focus: By choosing what truly matters to you and avoiding distractions, you can focus better on personal goals and priorities.
3. Enhanced Well-being: Enjoying your own company and activities can lead to a greater sense of contentment and overall well-being.
4. Better Relationships: Prioritizing meaningful interactions over trying to be everywhere can lead to deeper, more genuine connections with others.
5. Increased Productivity: With fewer distractions, you can be more productive and make better use of your time.

In turn, the Cons of JOMO:

1. Social Isolation: Embracing JOMO too much might lead to missing out on important social interactions and connections, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness.
2. Missed Opportunities: You might miss out on valuable experiences, opportunities, and events that could have enriched your life personally or professionally.
3. Perception by Others: Others might perceive your choice to miss out as disinterest or aloofness, which could affect relationships and social dynamics.
4. Lack of Awareness: Avoiding social activities might lead to being less informed about trends, news, and developments in your social or professional circles.

I also find it ironic…that FOMO used to be a good thing, in that a person that had FOMO was edgy and trendy, while JOMO folks were considered isolating and depressed. It has NOW flipped positive/negative connotations. Now, FOMO people are overly concerned with themselves and keeping up with a fictional world online, while JOMO people are more attentive to their mental health and self-care.

A good practice is to be a little of each. Again, being a Gen Xer, I grew up in an “analog” world and could do it again, if needed. I do JOMO quite a bit because I will read a phyiscal book or watch a DVD or do something by myself (and I don’t post to any social media about what I did or what I had for dinner). Heck, my kids did not know that there was a manual way to do solitaire with a deck of cards — that is, until I showed them one day when we had a power outage. I think FOMO can hurt quite a bit, because everyone today is trying to present the best “version” of themselves as they are also trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” Being present can bring a lot of joy, as can not worrying about what everyone else thinks of you. I believe the REAL power is in privacy!

Lastly, I wanted to make this point too: I LOVE the Internet and have ever since we had a dial-up AOL account when I was in high school. I believe that I have been presented more writing opportunities than I ever have, thanks to the Internet. I mean, without a digital presence, I’d have to be syndicated in newspaper to get this kind of coverage [for my blog]. I think we should be somewhat informed and connected, but disengage for our own mental health and peace of mind…and possible safety…as a DV survivor and advocate, I always advise a “digital detox.” Go ghost EVERYWHERE for your safety and to disengage with the abuser. The Internet will be there when you can get back to it!

Love and light and balance! <3