In an increasingly interconnected world, where constant notifications and the need to always be present in the social networks seem to dominate everyday life, a phenomenon that invites reflection arises: JOMO, acronym for joy of missing out (the joy of missing out on things).
This concept, which is postulated as the counterpart to FOMO (fear of missing out or fear of missing out), is a response to the pressure to constantly be up to date with every event, trend, or social experience that emerges around us.
Instead of feeling anxious about not participating, JOMO proposes embracing intentional disconnection and enjoy the benefits of being absent from certain moments.
Before delving into JOMO, it is important to understand its flip side. Ever since social media became a part of our daily lives, FOMO has been a term that has resonated strongly, particularly among younger generations.
This fear of missing out on events or social experiences, fueled in large part by incessant posts and updates on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X or TikTok, generates a feeling of discomfort, inadequacy and even anxiety.
A 2013 study already indicated that FOMO is deeply rooted in the psychological needs of belonging and self-affirmation. People feel that by not being present at certain events, they are being excluded from meaningful or valuable experiences in their lives.
This feeling is exacerbated when they observe their friends or acquaintances actively participating in these activities.
According to another investigation, published in Computers in Human Behaviorthe excessive use of social networks – particularly among young people – is closely related to the experience of FOMO and its negative effects on mental health, such as low self-esteem and anxiety.
Faced with this social pressure, JOMO emerges, a movement that defends the idea that not being present or “missing something” is not only acceptable, but it can become a source of satisfaction and personal well-being.
One of the first prominent mentions of the concept was made by Canadian writer Christina Crook in her 2014 book The Joy of Missing Out: Finding Balance in a Wired World.
Although it was not a new term: two years earlier, businessman Anil Dash had already coined it to reflect on the peace of mind of not participating in everything. Since then, it has gained more and more strength as a philosophy that promotes calm. and enjoyment of the present moment.
It is, in short, an invitation to intentionally disconnect from social networks, notifications and social events in order to refocus on creativity and mental peace.
Opting for JOMO instead of succumbing to FOMO has a number of tangible benefits that can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive social media use. These include:
This was confirmed by the authors of an investigation carried out in the days after October 4, 2021, when the digital services of the company Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) were down for several hours. Although some users were gripped by FOMO, many others confessed to feeling a comforting relief.
Signing up for JOMO does not mean completely giving up technology or social interactions. Rather, it involves finding a healthy balance between connectivity and disconnection.
Some ways to integrate it include the following guidelines:
In short, adopting JOMO does not imply a definitive renunciation of the digital world or social interactions, but rather an awareness of how and when it is best to be connected.