Fear of missing out or FOMO is a form of social anxiety, whereby one is compulsively concerned that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, profitable investment or other satisfying event. The fear is especially associated with modern technologies such as mobile phones and social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter, which provide constant opportunity for comparison of one's status. Through an increased reliance on the Internet, a psychological dependence to being online has developed and results in anxiety when one feels disconnected, thereby leading to a fear of missing out.The older I get, the more that I am horrified of what technology and social media has done to this world. Seriously, walk into a restaurant, a coffee bar, a shopping mall and look around and observe: Mostly everyone has their heads in their smart phone or Ipad and are missing out on the beauty around them. God made us to be social beings, because in His trinity, he is teaching us the importance of community. God made us as social beings - he wants us to be social. "Go and make disciples" has explicit community attached to that statement. God calls us to be pure, to be faithful and to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. I think when we spend so much time in fruitless matters (on FOMO events).
The other day, I was out to dinner with my family and noticed a handsome couple, it seemed obvious that they were on their 2nd or 3rd date as they both seemed relatively new to one another. The thing that I found was really sad was that they both spent more time in their phones then looking into each other's eyes. How many conversations that you are in, do you notice people, over generations, have lost the art of conversation. Seriously observe the next time you are talking or watch others talking: They are not focusing on the person in front of them, or in conversation, they are looking for the better thing, or the more interesting person walking along. My wife and I try and teach our kids this art of conversation. When someone talks to you, look them in the eyes and acknowledge that they are important to you. If you are at a restaurant (or service location) and the server (employee) is asking you something, give them the respect of their time and engage their conversation - this is an art of respect.
TOP 10 REASONS WHY WE NEED TO LET GO OF FOMO
- When you are not in the moment, you may be missing the very blessing that God wants you to receive (or to give)
- When you are suffering from FOMO, fear and anxiety can often set in
- When FOMO rules your life, you are missing the beauty that is around you
- When FOMO dominates your life, you are quickly overwhelmed by social media, electronics and the like that become idols in your life
- When FOMO reigns in your life, you are not serving God the way that he wants you to
- When FOMO becomes more important then the person in right in front of you, you are not honoring God's request in our life for community
- When FOMO has overrun you, you are quick to be bored
- When FOMO controls your thoughts, expectations and anticipations, it is really hard to be satisfied
- When FOMO controls you, you will likely put a smile on the evil ones
- When FOMO is put in its rightful place (the least of your priorities) you will soon be finding God's will in your life
I am not sure about you and what FOMO looks like in your life, but I know the more of what I put in my life, the more my life bears that fruit. What fruit do you want to bear? The Fruit of the Spirit or of the sinful nature.
Thoughts?
Dante