Do you look at your phone every 10 minutes? Can’t stand being without coverage or WhatsApp “crashing”? Do you come home if you forget your cell phone? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to rethink your relationship with new technologies and, specifically, with the new lifestyle that they have brought with them, the one in which we are all hyperconnected 24 hours a day.
This way of living has gradually established itself in society, almost without us realizing it, but in a very fast and effective way. So much so, that today it is difficult, if not impossible, stay out of this maelstrom of information in which we are immersed.
The fear of missing out
One of the countless and still unknown consequences that are beginning to emerge in this new hyperconnected society is that Many people live glued to their cell phones. All these people need like the air they breathe to upload a photo to their Instagram profile while having breakfast or send a WhatsApp message to their group of childhood friends to say good morning. Something that, in principle, is not serious. However, if your attachment to your cell phone increases to such an extent that you feel real terror at the possibility of disconnection, then we are talking about FOMO (Fear of missing out)).
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This fear can be a simple worry without more, but taken to the extreme, it can become a real problem, a feeling that pushes us towards a unpleasant feeling of discomfort, anxiety, and even depression.
the pleasure of missing things
A worrying panorama that, fortunately, can be reversed by using the appropriate means. Some tools that are grouped under a concept that has come to deal with FOMO, and is called JOMO (Joy of missing out)). This “lifeboat” allows everyone who practices it to regain control of their life and enjoy every moment. In short, it brings us a little closer to happiness.
If FOMO (fear of missing out) is typical of people who cannot get away from their cell phones and who need to be informed at all times of everything that is happening around them, does this mean that JOMO (pleasure of missing out on things) is for people who do not want to know anything about what is happening in the world and who prefer to remain isolated, looking at their navel? The answer is clear, NO. People who practice the pleasure of missing out, JOMO, are selective. What they do is choose judiciously those issues to which they want to pay attention.
Why should I practice jomo?
Deviating from the general trend of being hooked on social media has important benefits for mental health. Faced with envy, sadness or lack of self-esteem that generates FOMO, focus only on the issues closest to us, strengthens confidence and it takes us away from the pressure of exposure on the networks. What’s more, by freeing ourselves from that media burden we are more authentic, more real, more consistent with what we think, more free.
On the other hand, within the framework of JOMO we build stronger social relationships, since they are based on sincere emotional ties, without “makeup” or posturing.
tips for a life with more JOMO
Practicing JOMO is not easy. And, today, doing so is like swimming against the current. However, it is not impossible. Besides, The incentive to put it into practice is very attractive, regain control and increase emotional well-being.
If you want to practice JOMO, but think you need help to do it, we have compiled below some advices that can help you:
- Turn off notifications. Access your mobile phone settings and eliminate network and email notices. This measure is one of the most important and effective, and for many, one of the most difficult to carry out. However, in a short time you will get used to it and feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. In fact, you will feel liberated.
- Limit your time on the networks. This is something you can do “bareback”, that is, by imposing a certain number of daily hours of digital consumption on yourself, or you can use one of the numerous applications designed to help you. control the use of networks on the mobile phone. One of the best known is Google Digital Wellbeing. This app monitors the usage time of the device and each application and sends you reports. It also allows you to set timers to alert you when you spend too much time in an app.
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- Do digital fasting. The idea is to live without social networks for a time predetermined by you. Now, whoever says networks means WhatsApp, email or browsing the internet. You can start with one afternoon a week, continue with a weekend, and when you are more used to it, you can disconnect for a whole week. Yes, now it seems inconceivable to you, however, if you do it you will realize that it is not only worth it, but it is also highly recommended. Time is not only multiplied, it is also of much higher quality.
- Decide what, when and how of things. In general, we associate FOMO and JOMO with social networks, however, their essence is the fear or pleasure of missing out on anything, regardless of whether it happens in the digital or analog world. Therefore, to practice true JOMO it is essential control your activity schedule, That is, decide exactly what you want to do, and most importantly, say no to what you don’t feel like doing or what doesn’t interest you. In other words, be consistent with who you are and what you want to be.
