THE FOMO TRAP 🪤

 I want to begin by asking you all a question. Imagine that you didn't have time to get ready and your hair is oily, your dress is not up to the Mark; you look very tired in all the pictures. Now ask yourself will you post these pictures on social media? Think of it, we will get back to it in the end 

        Now let's take a detour. Have you ever felt FOMO when you look at posts of someone partying/going for a trip? Or have you ever felt like buying something that is trending on social media like first-day first-show tickets of a hyped movie/ Cold Play concert? Or have you ever bought an overpriced coffee to share it on social media?  If yes, you are not alone. According to a survey by Credit Karma, 40% of Gen-Z overspend or go into debt trying to keep up with their peers.

         As we understand the symptoms, let's look at the effects of the disease called FOMO that some of us might have felt at some point. 

    First and foremost is unhappiness☹️. While many may not immediately recognize or relate to this, it often lies beneath the surface, masked by the pursuit of instant gratification. For example, 70% of iPhone📱 users in India purchase their phones on EMI, highlighting that most cannot afford the device outright. This behavior reflects a deeper tendency to suppress feelings of unhappiness by seeking short-term satisfaction through material possessions. However, this cycle of instant gratification prevents us from pausing to analyze or truly understand our emotions, leaving the underlying discontent unaddressed.

   The second is low self-esteem. Many of us have, at some point, felt that we are not good enough, regardless of our abilities or achievements. For example, feeling insecure about our appearance. Social media influencers and celebrities often set unrealistic beauty standards, which can significantly impact our self-esteem. This insecurity extends beyond beauty, affecting areas like career, lifestyle, and personal success. We often overlook our own accomplishments, focusing instead on what we don’t have or haven’t achieved, even when we are doing well.

      These are two major effects of the disease called FOMO. But what if there's a way out?🤔 To break free, we can take a few simple steps.   The first is rational thinking, which involves staying calm, controlling our emotions, and focusing on logic. By analyzing facts and understanding the reasons behind our emotions, we can make more thoughtful decisions. The second step is journaling✍🏿, which helps us reflect on our achievements and abilities, allowing us to recognize our self-worth.  Lastly, setting personal goals and focusing on our unique journey can shift the focus away from external pressures and foster long-term happiness.

     As I conclude, I want to revisit the question I asked you at the beginning. If your answer is no, and you're not willing to post something you feel isn't up to your standards, then ask yourself—how can you view someone else's curated post as the full picture of their life? Remember, social media is just that—curated. It’s a highlight reel of what people choose to share. So, let’s not take Instagram posts or ads too seriously. They don’t define anyone’s worth or happiness. We’re all on our own unique journeys, and that’s what truly matters.