Lecture Notes on FOMO vs. Fomo

Introduction

• Transition of understanding from FOMO to Fomo.
• FOMO: Fear of missing out.
  • Related to social comparison and worsened by social media.
  • Leads to feelings of disappointment, anxiety, and dissatisfaction when compared to others’ seemingly perfect lives.
• Fomo: Joy of missing out.
  • Represents a shift in mindset to find fulfillment in solitude and self-growth.

Social Comparison and Its Impact

• Excessive social media use enhances feelings of social comparison.
• Misconception: Perception equals reality.
• Constant exposure to others’ accomplishments can lead to negative self-esteem.

Fomo Explained

• Fomo encourages fulfillment through:
  • Enjoying quiet activities.
  • Focusing on the present moment.
  • Emphasizing personal growth and regeneration.
• Not about isolation but about choosing meaningful engagement.

Personal Journey

• Seventh-grade experiences:
  • Boredom unless engaging with social media (Instagram, Snapchat).
  • Addiction to checking notifications to avoid missing out on social experiences.
• Resulting feelings:
  • Anxiety and insecurities, labeled as FOMO.
  • Social avoidance as a coping mechanism, leading to physical manifestations (eczema).

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Served as a reset button for perspective and mindset.
• Revolutionized social status and comparisons:
  • Everyone equal as they navigated through uncertainty.
• Encouraged self-reflection and awareness.
• Discovery of new passions:
  • Writing songs, baking, Kathak dancing, choreographing.
  • Engaging in deeper conversations instead of superficial online exchanges.
  • Reading and journaling as tools for emotional expression.

Insights Gained

• Realization of personal control over choices and time.
• Learning that choices should not be dictated by others' expectations.
• Importance of allowing oneself me-time to reflect and grow.

Social Comfort Post-Pandemic

• Engaging comfortably in smaller groups after rediscovering personal interests.
• Realization of personal preferences in social settings (e.g., clubbing vs. watching movies).
• Understanding and embracing the sentiment of Fomo.

Wider Societal Trends

• Noted similar transitions in others during the pandemic.
• Example: Meta's outage in October 2021 led many to feel indifferent or happy about disconnecting from social media.

Conclusion

• Empowerment without fear of FOMO.
• Constructing personal identity by rejecting social comparisons.
• Finding a balance of peace, reflection, and clarity.
• Emphasizing the joy of missing out as a route to comfort and contentment.

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Key Terms

• FOMO: Fear of missing out.
• Fomo: Joy of missing out.

Thank You!