FOMO: An Instagram Anxiety
A Short Horror Story (Based on True Events)
In March of 2019, popular social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram shut down, not allowing users to post pictures or use specific features. This left users in shock and panic, spamming the sites with questions and concerns over what was occurring. The anxiety that many were feeling and expressing over this event led others to remark at how obsessed with social media our generation had become. The discussion then included how users felt so displaced and out of touch with the world without being able to post or view others’ posts.
“Do you get anxious when you cannot check your Facebook or Twitter account? Believe it or not, that is a real disorder. Social media anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that is similar to social anxiety disorder. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. It seems that the more technology we acquire, the more stressed out we become. According to the experts, almost 20% of people with social media accounts cannot go more than three hours without checking them. So, what is social media anxiety disorder?” (“Social Media Obsession and Anxiety”)
New Update: Social Media Anxiety
Discussion over social media and all it entails is such a prevalent topic in today’s society; whether discussing its advantages or disadvantages, you cannot deny that social media has transformed and continues to transform the manner in which people think. Treading on the disadvantaged path, the correlation between social media and mental health over the years is a topic that continues to be of interest to just about everyone. Just like with most social media topics, the most affected group seems to be those who have have grown up during the rise of these media forms: (younger) Millennials and Generation Z. Instagram is a popular social media app that seems to contribute massively towards the mental health of these groups, specifically in the case of anxieties.
The anxiety that arises with the use of Instagram directly relates to the obsession young adults have with it. Aside from that is the obsession with the perception that is created on the app. Instagram is known for being image based and in real-time, which creates various anxieties related to how users view themselves, view the world, and how they think others view them. As a result of these perceptions, one out of many factors has thrived off Instagram’s existence: the concept of FOMO. FOMO — an acronym for the “Fear of Missing Out” — has become so heightened in today’s society that it manipulates people’s perception of life and themselves; this consequently can create anxiety and mental health issues.
Dive More into FOMO
Instagram’s qualities allow, or even encourage, users to highlight their life or interests for others to see. Consequently, many people document their activities, especially ones that make it seem like they are “living their best life” — a phrase that has also been on the rise with social media. As a result of users’ posts that create the impression that they are living a good life with little to no worries, the fear of missing out on events or not being able to relate haunts our generation. The concept of FOMO can even affect the way people live their life (or how they show others that they’re living their life). Oddly enough, some people who are thought to never be missing out might have to secure that title, which can be a hassle. For instance, many Instagram influencers have to keep up with the latest trends and document their activities so that they don’t lose followers or become “behind” in pop culture. And there it is: nobody (not even famous people who everyone imagines to be living great) wants to be behind or appear boring on the internet.
Instagram has many features that allows users to show their content and control how it’s viewed: pictures, 24-hour long story posts, highlighted stories that don’t expire, and so much more. With numerous ways to show how you’re living life within this culture of capturing every moment, it’s no wonder that people become anxious when their highlights aren’t as good as someone else’s. The norm isn’t for people to show their unsolved struggles or pictures that aren’t worthy of triple digit likes; Instagram has evolved to be a paradise for those who are living their best life, have “proof” of it, and have a large following account/likes to validate their living style. Meanwhile, their counterparts are disheartened by not meeting those standards, even if they know it’s all for show. “I get that Instagram is the life highlight reel, but I think we’d all be better off if people got a lot more real about their posts on Instagram,” Brianna Soloski writes on her Medium article titled “Instagram and the Fear of Missing Out.” Soloski writes about this fear when “nobody wants to talk about your life” and how the “little people” feel that their life is not up to par with others.
Real Fears in the Real World
FOMO relates to the real world and its anxieties in day to day life. As a really basic example, imagine that you were invited to an event that all your close friends continuously discussed but you’re unable to go. Later on you watch them having the time of their lives through their Instagram stories. Most people can’t help but feel a sting of pain from having missed out on an event and not being a part of that memory, or having the memory. What’s even worse is if you were unaware or not invited to an event and see that your friends went. This in of itself creates anxiety in people but can also create it in the long run when they make decisions on what to do and where to go. Sometimes, there seems to be a focus on documenting rather than living in the moment. This is also why some people in today’s society might feel antsy if they aren’t holding their phone or documenting their activities, especially when at concerts and big events. Not having your phone close by and ready to use might even give some the feeling that they aren’t living. It’s kind of like the “if a tree falls in a forest and nobody is there to hear it, will it make a sound” scenario. If you don’t document the event, did it really happen?
Many users believe that Instagram seems to give you statistics to how much your life compares to someone else’s (“Social Animals” documentary). Everyone knows that with a site like this, comparison runs rampant and plagues people’s perception of others and themselves. Along with these comparisons are anxieties over one’s life not being as great as others or of one being irrelevant, overall. The FOMO on Instagram can easily boil down to people feeling that they are irrelevant or boring, and that this is a realistic reflection of themselves in the real world if they can’t prove otherwise. People thinking they are irrelevant in the real world has quite the negative implications on their mental health and life. And these issues along with many more contributes to an interesting paradox of Instagram.
The Finsta Paradox
A strange remedy for this Instagram anxiety and overexposure to others’ “perfect” life seems to come in the form of finstas, or fake Instagram. Finstas are second, private accounts that users create in which one would have to request to follow if they want to view the user’s posts. Finsta users don’t just accept everyone’s request but rather limit their followers to close friends or a much smaller circle than their main account. The point of a finsta is for a user to be their “true” self, to share whatever they want whenever they want. This paradox of having a “fake” Instagram account to be your real self and feel less anxious over being perfect reveals an instance where the solution to social media anxiety is more social media. “To me, (finstas are) a way of cultivating greater intimacy and authenticity,” states Erik Gregory, psychotherapist and executive director of the Media Psychology Research Center of Boston (“In Defense of the Finsta: How My Secret Instagram Saved My Sanity”). The article brings into light how these finstas seem to be a way for people to be vulnerable and reclaim their identity. Although finstas definitely have their cons, they also do seem to help users cope within this digital age and its created anxieties.
Turn That Fear into Joy
Discussing Instagram usage and its related anxieties is not an easy topic to deconstruct, or really a neat one. When discussing it, it’s fair to say that society commonly suggests that less time be spent on the internet; but that is such an empty suggestion that is easier said than done, especially for some in this generation who grew up connecting with the world through social media. Instagram is neither good nor bad; like with many things in life it depends on how it’s used. Social media will keep growing, and all we can do is hope that young adults can recognize the falsity that can come with it and be confident in themselves enough to do what’s best for themselves. When it comes to FOMO, users need to realize that they “cannot be everywhere at all times and always be doing the coolest thing ever,” and that’s completely okay (“Tips to Get Over Your FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out”). Tackling this anxiety might be easier said than done, but acknowledging this fear may help young adults and social media users reclaim their space and identity. The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) is not such a bad concept; hopefully many will start to realize that and accept and live in their moment.
