by Rawda Abdel Fattah

In today`s time of connection through the internet, two psychological states have become highlighted as never before: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). These names summarize how individuals perceive social involvement, decision-making, and personal fulfillment in an era where other people`s lives are just a tap away.

FOMO is the anxious and sometimes overwhelming feeling that other individuals are experiencing fun moments to which one is not invited. It is often driven by social media, where idealized posts create the illusion of a never-ending series of exciting things, achievements, and relationships. Due to this, individuals suffering from FOMO can feel anxious, doubt themselves, or even be pushed to do something they might not even actually want to do.On the other hand, JOMO is a more thoughtful and deliberate way of life. It is the satisfaction of deciding to stay away from things to do, things to see, or online distractions, and instead to seek personal wellness, calmness, or enriching experiences. JOMO values quality over quantity and believes that happiness can occur in solitude or simplicity even if the options it involves are not those of busy connections.

Psychologically, FOMO is associated with stress, burnout, and low self-esteem in younger generations exposed to others` highlight reels constantly. Conversely, accepting JOMO has been associated with increased mental health, improved time management, and greater life satisfaction.

FOMO, if not managed, encourages reactive living. It makes individuals say "yes" out of fear rather than interest. This will result in overcommitment, burnout, and loss of personal agency. However, it is important to mention that not all social engagements are negative. When driven by curiosity, connection, or growth, engagement can be very rewarding. The difference is in being aware of the motivation behind the choice.On the other hand, JOMO offers a balanced way of thinking that affirms intentionality, being present, and inner peace. It asks us to hear what really fulfills us, whether that`s a quiet night in, striving toward personal goals, or simply turning off the noise. To embrace JOMO is not to abandon others or shy away from social life altogether; it is to be careful and thoughtful about how one spends time and energy.

Ultimately in my opinion, it`s the balance between these two conditions that is necessary. Some FOMO is unavoidable, especially in an overly social world, but embracing some of the virtues of JOMO can empower individuals to make decisions based on their values, not their anxieties.