THE UNITED NATIONS' RESEARCH INITIATIVE- TDR GLOBAL HAS AWARDED RECOGNITION TO KONNIFEL'S RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
THE UNITED NATIONS' RESEARCH INITIATIVE- TDR GLOBAL HAS AWARDED RECOGNITION TO KONNIFEL'S RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
I remember when I first started my university life, everything seemed so important, every event seemed necessary. I wanted to participate in every event going on: every cultural fest or debate seemed like a must-attend affair. I lost sleep, some classes and even my sanity. During those initial days, perhaps that restless urge to be everywhere and do everything can be classified as a classic case of FOMO. Of course, college, being a major transitional period, amplifies these feelings, as students grapple with newfound freedom and the desire to explore. Making friends and creating lasting memories is the priority. However, social media further amplifies this desire, especially when you see a curated reality where everyone seems to be having an amazing time – except you. Psychologically, FOMO fuels social comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted perception of reality, making many of us feel like we haven’t been doing enough, compelling us to draw unfair comparisons between us and others (or their glamorous versions that we see on the Internet).
Pumping the brakes here, let’s first clearly understand what FOMO actually is. According to the Collins Dictionary, FOMO is the written and sometimes spoken abbreviation for 'fear of missing out', used to talk about the belief of some people that others are having a good time without them. A major source of FOMO, especially for youngsters can be attributed to their increased use of social media. It is estimated that the average person spends about 147 minutes a day on social media. This has made the average social media user hyper-aware of how others are spending their time. Every party, vacation and even a meal seems to be documented for the world to see.
As you enter your college life you will feel there is a constant pressure to be “in the know”: to exercise your newfound freedom in exciting ways, an internal drive to grab at every opportunity. Then you see someone out there on the Internet living out your ideal life. Yes, the guilt of being “boring” pangs at your heart. It brings in a complex web of toxic emotions like jealousy and feelings of dissatisfaction, which ultimately affects only you, your self-esteem and self-worth.
FOMO can negatively impact human behaviour and health in various ways. The urge to keep up with the perceived social whirlwind might push students to participate in activities they wouldn't normally choose, compromising their safety and well-being. The constant need to catch up, running from one event to another leaves little room for rest and relaxation, resulting in burnout. Anyone would get drained of energy if they don’t indulge in rest and are on the go constantly. The pressure to be "on" all the time further exacerbates this exhaustion and hinders physical and mental wellbeing, creating a relentless cycle of activity with no opportunity to slow down.
Academic performance inevitably suffers as well. The allure of social activities often takes precedence over academic responsibilities and attending lectures, leading to neglected studies and ultimately, a decline in grades.
When you prioritize social appearances over sleep, it leads to sleep deprivation. Being in a constant state of sleep deprivation can detrimentally affect your cognitive functioning, resulting in impaired memory, concentration, and decision-making, skills which are crucial for a student. Moreover, the immune system weakens, increasing susceptibility to illnesses. Chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues are linked to prolonged sleep deprivation.
FOMO acts as a potent trigger for compulsive phone checking behaviour among college students. A study conducted jointly by Aligarh Muslim University and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) titled "Smartphone Dependency, Hedonism and Purchase Behaviour: Implications for Digital India Initiatives," found that college students in India, driven by anxiety and FOMO, checked their smartphones over 150 times daily. The content notifications and social media updates divert attention, making it difficult to focus on more important tasks for extended time periods. Phone checking has emerged to be a leading factor in the emergence of many learning and concentration issues in students who have grown up using smartphones and in a way have become dependent on them.
FOMO has also been found to be a major contributor towards frustration and irritability among young people. One might feel constantly on the edge, catch themselves getting annoyed by minor inconveniences, and lash out at those around them. This is because their mental resources are depleted by the constant need to be everywhere and know everything and the anxiety associated with missing out on something exciting. Severe cases of chronic FOMO can lead to depression. The constant feeling of inadequacy and a distorted self-image can create a sense of hopelessness and despair.
If reading all of these negative consequences related to FOMO makes you want to backtrack from social media, I would not blame you.
The most important thing to note here is moderation. Doing everything in moderation is the key towards living a successful life. We will discuss a few key points that can help bring that balance into your life.
Personally I’ve found that mastering the art of saying "no" empowers you to prioritize your well-being and commitments. Remember, it is okay to decline invitations if you need rest, have deadlines looming, or simply do not feel like attending a particular event. Make yourself your first priority.
It is necessary to recognize that you, like everyone else, have limitations. Trying to be everywhere at once is a recipe for exhaustion and disappointment. Focus on enjoying the experiences you choose to participate in. Prioritize quality experiences over a sheer number of events. Spending quality time with close friends or engaging in a meaningful activity can be far more rewarding than attending a crowded party you wanted to skip. Do not feel obligated to attend every event on campus. Choose activities that genuinely pique your interest and align with your passions. This way, you will be more engaged and less likely to experience FOMO for events you would not have enjoyed anyway.
If you know you will be going out later, prioritize completing your work beforehand. This reduces stress and allows you to fully enjoy the social event without looming deadlines hanging over your head. Learn to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent events. For e.g., a revision class before an important exam carries more weight than a casual hangout. Prioritize activities based on their urgency and importance.
A new concept which has recently been gaining ground is JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out. Learn to appreciate the present moment and the experience you are currently in. Focus on enjoying the present company or the activity at hand, without constantly comparing it to what others might be doing. Learn to live in the moment.
Before committing to an event, consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Ask yourself: Will this activity genuinely enhance my life? Does it align with my goals and well-being? This thoughtful approach helps you make informed decisions that minimize FOMO.
Social media platforms are often the breeding ground for FOMO. I believe everyone should make a concerted effort to combat its influence and grip over us. I recommend using apps like Offtime and Moment which are designed to remind you to take breaks from social media. These apps can help you become more mindful of your phone usage and reduce the constant barrage of updates that trigger FOMO.
Take control of your social media experience. Unfollow accounts that trigger feelings of inadequacy or envy. Instead, curate your feed with accounts that inspire, educate, and motivate you. Surround yourself with positive influences that contribute to your well-being.
No one is perfect, we all tend to slip up. If you occasionally experience FOMO or overcommit to activities, don't beat yourself up. The first step towards betterment is acknowledging your problems, showing self-compassion and coming up with a gradual plan for improvement. Change takes time, so do not get impatient. More importantly, do not aim for complete social isolation, for it will do more harm than good. Start by gradually reducing unnecessary outings and prioritize your well-being. It is these small, consistent steps which lead to big change.
