The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) | The Domino Effect

FOMO | The Fear of Missing Out is an emotion and belief most people experience. This level of fear can derive from the belief that if people do not act on a particular thing, they will miss out on a beneficial experience.

From childhood to adolescence and transitioning to adulthood, various aspects of culture have consistently bombarded people with innuendoes or suggestions about the “fear of missing out”. Be it marketing products, peer pressure, or trending ideas – there has always been an “emotional” pull that makes people “believe” they require a “particular thing”.

AN ILLUSION | A DOMINO EFFECT

Sometimes fear is just an illusion – it’s not always real. As previously mentioned, FOMO derives from a belief or emotion. FOMO can be relational (romantic, platonic, professional), monetary (career, success, advancement), or entertainment (events, festivities, culture) – ANYTHING we believe we are “missing” out on.

Though it’s essential to remember that experiences and opportunities are not a bad thing and should not be attached to a negative connotation, indulging in things out of "FEAR" should alert our attention and intentions. The alertness of our attention and intention of participating in certain things to draw us back to our – WHY?

Partaking in anything out of “fear” can become an unfavorable domino effect. FOMO domino effect can potentially create a cycle of anxious triggers prompting us to act in irrational ways. FOMO can also be a breeding ground for inauthenticity, indecisiveness, and “unhealthy” forms of compromise.

Shattering the illusion of FOMO is established at one’s own pace and discretion. The more "space" we create for sound decisions, the less room there is for FOMO.

THE PRACTICE OF CONTENTMENT

Content has seemingly grown trivial and boring, especially with the rise of the digital age. From a digital culture perspective, where so many ideas, beliefs, practices, and behaviors are always present, remaining content can become a battlefield.

To be content is not to be rooted in the belief of stagnancy or motionlessness, but a gradual form of peace—a peace marked in a healthy form of self-awareness.

FOMO becomes overshadowed when a person is content in their current state, not complacent, but content.

Decisions, then, are no longer rooted in “fear”, but in optimal opportunities to move forward or try something new – even if these opportunities are just for the moment.

When fear does not “drive” our decisions, we will never miss out on the things we "need" or "desire".

Photo from Pinterest

2 Timothy 1:7 | NO FOMO