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A 16-year-old boy jumped to his death from the 14th floor of a residential building in a fast-running city in India, Pune. After the police inquiry, the reasons behind death came to the fore. The deceased young boy was addicted to online gaming. He was involved in the virtual world where he lost money in this process. He was going through a phase of depression and loneliness and was not able to share these things with anyone. It was so because social media is triggering FOMO among youth that pushed youth towards emptiness.
In today’s world, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok have become an integral part of daily life, particularly for the younger generation. This platform provides space to connect people, share experiences, and stay updated. However, they also come with significant psychological costs. One of the most prominent psychological effects experienced by users, especially among youth, is the phenomenon known as “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).
Understanding FOMO in the Context of Social Media
FOMO is not a new concept, but social media has exacerbated its effects. In the traditional sense, FOMO occurs when an individual feels left out of a particular event or gathering. However, with the advent of social media, FOMO has taken on a new dimension where people in general and youth in particular become isolated from his/her family, friends, and relatives. Social media allows individuals to constantly monitor the lives of others through curated posts, stories, and images, leading to feelings of relative deprivation.
Social media shows a “constructed reality” where everyone’s life appears perfect. Through filters and selective posting, people typically share only their best moments. This selective sharing gives the illusion of a perfect happening life. For many young people, this digital environment becomes a breeding ground for FOMO, as they constantly compare their own lives with others. These things contribute to FOMO among youth.
Linkages between FOMO, depression, and loneliness
The constant exposure to the curated realities of others can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental well-being. FOMO has been linked to feelings of relative deprivation, lower self-esteem, and social anxiety. However, its effects go beyond mere comparison; it can significantly contribute to depression and loneliness among young people. It is mainly due to a reduction in physical interaction by the youth due to involvement in the virtual world.
When young people feel as though they are missing out on social events or experiences, they may develop a sense of inferiority. This can spiral into depression, as the constant comparison to others fosters feelings of worthlessness. Several studies show that increased time spent on social media correlates with higher levels of depression. In this process, those who frequently experience FOMO are at a higher risk of experiencing depression. This is because of the anxiety surrounding missed opportunities.
Social media was initially touted as a way to foster connections and reduce loneliness, but in many cases, it has had the opposite effect. While social media allows individuals to connect with others across distances, it can also highlight their exclusion from groups or events, deepening feelings of loneliness. The paradox of social media is that it can make individuals feel more disconnected. The lack of meaningful, face-to-face interaction and the overemphasis on virtual connections contribute to a sense of isolation and alienation as we witnessed in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors responsible for the concerned trilemma
Social media platforms often showcase the highlights of people’s lives, leading to social comparisons. Constantly comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, and dissatisfaction. It can also cause people to believe that others are living better, more exciting, or more successful lives. It is so because the dark side of the stories is not posted on social media.
Along with these, social media platforms often highlight highly edited or filtered images. The portrayal of “perfect” bodies, faces, and lifestyles can create unrealistic standards of appearance and success. The constant exposure to these idealized images can lead individuals, especially young people, to feel insecure about their appearance or their lack of certain lifestyle markers. It further adds fuel to the notion of relative deprivation among youth.
Apart from these, many social media platforms amplify negative news, sensationalism, and polarized content. The constant exposure to distressing headlines, conflicts, political debates, and global crises can lead to feelings of helplessness, fear, and stress. The overwhelming nature of negative news, especially when it’s constant, can contribute to a phenomenon called “news fatigue.” This can result in anxiety, hopelessness, and depression.
Mitigating the Impact of FOMO on Mental Health
Addressing the link between social media and FOMO requires both individual and societal interventions. There is a need to encourage young people to take regular breaks from social media can help reduce the negative emotional impact of constant comparison. Also, Mindfulness practices, such as being present in the moment can help break the cycle of comparison.
Along with these, platforms and influencers can play a role in shifting the culture toward greater authenticity. By sharing more realistic, unfiltered content, individuals can help normalize imperfection and reduce the pressures of curating a perfect life. Also, Young people should be encouraged to engage in activities that foster authentic connections outside of the digital realm, such as sports, arts, etc. where they can build meaningful friendships.
Similarly, Schools, parents, and communities can play a role in supporting young people through counseling, mental health education, and creating spaces where emotional well-being is prioritized. Also, tools or apps should be used that track and limit your time spent on social media. Setting specific times during the day to check social media, rather than constantly scrolling, can help you regain control of your time.
In conclusion, while social media has many positive aspects, such as connecting people across distances and providing entertainment and information, it also has significant negative effects on mental health and well-being. To mitigate these effects, it is important for individuals to manage their social media use mindfully, prioritize face-to-face interactions, and take regular breaks from the digital world.
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