These days we find ourselves at the beginning of the new year with expectations and many wishes. But as we all know, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, for one reason or another -and even more so with the economic turmoil to which we are used to- we cannot take vacations, for example, or we cannot go to the places we most want. And it is just, in those moments, when the famous FOMO begins to do its thing in our minds.
FOMO, or fear of missing out, is an increasingly common phenomenon in this age of social media. We live in front of a constant exposure to images that these days is plagued by holidays, parties and special events.
With this reality, it can be easier to feel left out and feel like everyone is enjoying life while you are theoretically left behind. This feeling can be especially boosted during these first days of January, when many people post photos and stories of their adventures on exotic beaches or incredible cities.
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I enter my networks and see my friends, family and celebrities enjoying their vacations in Mar del Plata, Pinamar, Punta del Este, and other beautiful places. There are photos of beautiful beaches, very elegant restaurants and incredible parties that are sometimes out of control. And suddenly, we can feel like we’re missing something. Why am I not also on the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea? Why am I not in that restaurant too, surrounded by friends and family who seem so, so happy?
A few weeks ago a friend made me listen to some songs by trap singers who mention in their songs about this feeling and the pressure they feel to succeed and always be in the right place. For example, Khea mentions the constant comparison with others in his song Money and Famas: Eyes in the feed, always wanting more / Comparing my life with others, always FOMO and Duki also says in his song Toda: Everybody he wants to have it all, but I don’t know / If having all that is going to make you happy, I don’t know.
As we have already talked about in various columns and observed previously, we know that what we see on the networks is only a small and selected part of someone’s life. We don’t see the less glamorous moments. Everyone posts sushi, no one posts a rotten tomato.
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As the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre said, We are not what we have, we are what we do with what we have. This kind of constant comparison and the need to always be connected can also have a negative impact on our mental health. According to psychologist and author Adam Alter, excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels. Also, as sociologist and author Sherry Turkle points out, the constant use of technology alienates us from others and prevents us from having deep and meaningful conversations.
So this 2023, I personally believe that instead of focusing on what others are doing or have, we should focus on what we have and do the best we can with it. Whether at the beach or at home, we can find happiness if we focus on doing good things and enjoying what we have.
I wish for this new year that life does not go away wishing for another.
* Author and disseminator. Emerging technologies specialist.
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