The Dark Side Of Social Media: The Fear Of Missing Out

Social media was created for the purpose of bringing us closer, yet how is it possible that it’s what’s tearing us apart the most? According to mashable.com, more than 56 percent of teenagers suffer from what is commonly referred to as Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).

Although suffering from FOMO might seem like a trivial problem created by teens to justify their addiction to social media, it has been attributed to increases in the levels of stress and anxiety in teens, according to SBS Media.  

So yeah, FOMO is a very real thing. I have let social media platforms dictate my happiness, specifically Snapchat. Perhaps one of the most unsettling feelings is logging onto Snapchat and seeing all of your friends hanging out without you.

The line between the reality experienced on Snapchat and the reality experienced in real life is constantly being blurred, making it difficult to distinguish what is real and what is not. Connecting your self-worth to how many parties you get invited to, and your online “presence,” is a dangerous game to play. Like it or not, social media is a double-edged sword.

We live in a time where every aspect of your life is broadcasted online, and unfortunately one of the consequences of this age of “connectivity” might include knowing too much. So, is ignorance truly bliss? Would we still have FOMO even without Snapchat to remind us of how lonely we are?

Honestly, it is impossible to be included in everything 100 percent of the time, but social media aggravates the feeling of being an outcast through images of other people’s happiness. Worse yet, it is on repeat, documenting it for you to see over and over again.  

Re-watching Snapchat videos of friends hanging out without us, while essentially wallowing in our own self-pity, has become a socially acceptable way to get through a boring weekend.

Fear of Missing Out has played a huge role in my life, and social media has truly impacted my relationships with my friends. I’ve become paranoid within my relationships, thinking that every post featuring my close friends hanging out without me was done purposely; they all planned to hang out without me because they’re getting sick of me.

This attitude of paranoia and anxiety that directly stems from social media only encourages a self-destructive cycle. I can honestly say that one of the best things that I’ve done to alleviate my FOMO was deleting my Snapchat.

I’m not saying that you need to permanently delete all traces of social media, but going on a “Snapchat” cleanse can be extremely rewarding. The moment that I deleted my Snapchat, I ceased caring about whether I was missing out on some “amazing” party.

I am not going to lie and say that I have completely eradicated all aspects of FOMO in my life, but I have learned how to care less about social media in regards to my self confidence and relationships. Remember to always keep things in perspective and never let your fear dictate your happiness.