Hello !
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, etc.
In social media, it's the sense that we're missing out on something if we're not checking Facebook, Instagram, or your app of choice several times a day. We may not articulate it that way. We just have the urge to "check real quick".
FOMO is a total MOFO.
FOMO is not just the sense that there might be better things that you could be doing at this moment, but it is the feeling that you are missing out on something fundamentally important that others are experiencing right now.
So, since we just spent the last two weeks talking about living hidden in God in a social media world, I thought I'd share 5 tips with you that will help you overcome FOMO and get some social media detox.
One. Identify your triggers. If you check social media when your bored, depressed, etc. figure it out. If you're waiting in line somewhere, and you feel that urge to open that app, train yourself to take a couple deep breaths, observe your surroundings, and listen to the Holy Spirit instead. Find those triggers and retrain your response to them.
Two. Make it less convenient. If you take Facebook off your phone, you'll still have access to it on your tablet or laptop. At the very least, bury the app somewhere that requires a few taps to get to. Give yourself a few hoops to jump through. Those few seconds will buy you a little time to break that automated behavior.
Three. Find other ways to scratch that itch. Open the Bible app instead. Maybe do a couple lunges or take some deep breaths. Pick up a healthy replacement (or at least one less FOMOish) when you get the urge to check socials.
Four. Get some accountability. Find a friend who will hold you accountable, and walk with you to break that FOMO. Together, you can come up with some creative solutions, pray for each other, and challenge each other. Social media can be a powerful addiction (even though most people deny it). Get someone from the God's family to help you out.
Five. Reward yourself when you meet your goals. Positive rewards often work better than negative punishments. How can you treat yourself for keeping your phone time under an hour a day? Talk with your accountability partner to come up with a good idea.
I know you got this. This will make more room in your life to let the Holy Spirit lead you into much better things. FOMO's got nothing on life in the Kingdom!
You rock!
See you Sunday!
Living a passionate mission,
Lee Bezotte
Lead Pastor, Mercy Vineyard Church
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