In a hyperconnected world, las social networks are a constant in our lives and, although they offer interesting possibilities for interaction, they also have certain dangers that it is important to be aware of. A booming phenomenon in this context is the so-called FOMO syndrome (‘fear of missing out’), translated as “fear of missing something”.
“Before it was something much less common, since exposure to the more pleasant side of others was much less frequent,” says psychologist Daniel Novoa, who maintains that “taking into account that young people are the most likely to use social networks social, they are the ones most likely to see other enviable lives.” But, in its essence, it is not so new. “That feeling of fear of missing out on something important or interesting is not new, and many of us have probably felt it at some point in our lives,” says psychologist Maruxa Fernández Hermelo: “Before the digital age, it manifested itself more in social situations. as parties, events or gatherings that we did not want to miss. But, in addition, it has also been widely used as a marketing strategy, where the fear of missing out on a unique opportunity is used to motivate people to buy a product or service”.
The radical change in recent years in the way we communicate, interact and disseminate information now makes us feel “that everything must be published on social networks, what’s more, If you don’t have social networks it seems that you don’t exist, that you are nobody”, continues the expert. “We know about the lives of others through these media, what they do or what they stop doing, where they are, what is happening in the world… This can generate an incessant feeling of wanting to be checking what’s new on the networks to not miss anything and not be left behind”.
“FOMO is considered the best predictor of social media addiction. This perception of the need to be constantly online can lead us to the compulsive use of social networks, possibly causing symptoms and consequences similar to substance abuse“, Add.
“There is a lack of a more aggressive pedagogy on the prejudices of social networks for mental health”
Here, Daniel Novoa is blunt: “Social networks are very dangerous, and those who program them know it, so limiting access to them is something that is becoming increasingly clear that it should be done,” he maintains: ” To minors, by their parents; and adults, themselves for their own mental health.”
“Social networks provide us with many positive things, but it is also true that they can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional health, especially when they are used compulsively or inappropriately,” says Fernández Hermelo, who maintains that “there is no profile concrete” of people who can suffer from FOMO, “since this syndrome It can affect people of any age, gender, culture or social level”. However, there are certain characteristics that can increase the risk of developing it, such as: “people who use social networks compulsively and spend long periods of time on them, who constantly compare themselves with others and feel dissatisfied with their lives, people with low self-esteem and who seek the approval and validation of others or individuals who feel lonely or socially isolated and see social networks as a way to connect with others”.
Faced with this situation, Daniel Novoa affirms that “like any toxic custom, limiting access to it and putting up barriers to help us are presented as effective options.” On the other hand, the psychologist affirms that “a more aggressive pedagogy on the damages of social networks for mental health is lacking; I am not saying that they are essentially bad, but they are undeniably dangerous.”.
“This syndrome can affect people of any age, gender, culture or social level”
Maruxa Fernández Hermelo points out some strategies that can help prevent or reduce the FOMO syndrome, such as “set limits in the use of networks; doing other enjoyable activities that encourage physical social contact; Accept that You can’t be everywhere, events or activities and that this does not mean that something valuable is being lost; value and care for close personal relationships; or practicing gratitude for what you have instead of focusing on what you might be missing, which can help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with FOMO.”
If these strategies were not enough and you feel that FOMO is negatively affecting your life, it indicates that “it is important to seek professional help.” “In order to guide psychological treatment and minimize the negative consequences of FOMO, it is necessary to know the needs and characteristics of each person. There is no general treatment as such because it will depend on many factors.. Sometimes it is simply one more symptom of a general malaise, great dissatisfaction with life, low self-esteem, isolation… And these aspects would have to be worked on first to then be able to improve that fear of missing out on something important”.
But this is not the only pathology that proliferates due to the improper use of social networks: “Sleep disorders, since the light from mobile devices interrupts and makes sleep difficult; eating disorders, feeling pressured by beauty standards and body that are promoted in the networks; depression and anxiety, by promoting social comparison, envy and concern for public image”, are some others that the psychologist lists.
“ADHD and the lack of healthy habits in terms of sleep hygiene, willingness and maintenance of attention or low self-esteem based on the search for utopian perfection are some of the consequences that may be directly related to misuse of networks social networks and applications such as TikTok”, says Daniel Novoa. At this point, he insists that “limit the use of these networks, either to minors or to oneselfis something where there should be no debate anymore, they are designed and perfected to be highly addictive.
Maruxa Fernández Hermelo stresses that “not all people who use the internet and social networks will develop pathologies related to their use; however, it is advisable to use them consciously and responsibly and seek professional help if you feel that the use of social networks is negatively affecting your mental health or that of a loved one.
In contrast to the FOMO phenomenon, its opposite already exists: JOMO (“joy of missing out”); i.e. “joy to miss something”. “It refers to that feeling of satisfaction and liberation that some people experience when they decide to disconnect from social networks, social activities and digital interactions in general”, explains the expert: “JOMO does not refer to a pathology or a syndrome, it rather it is a positive and healthy attitude towards not always being connected and available”.