The Influence of Influencers: Shifting from FOMO to JOMO in the Social Media Era

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

November 11, 2024

We’ve all been there—scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, only to be hit with that familiar feeling of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Whether it’s friends at a beautiful beach, influencers at exclusive events, or strangers with picture-perfect lives, social media can often make us feel like we’re missing something. But lately, a fresh, liberating mindset is taking hold: JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out. Instead of anxiously comparing our lives to the glossy highlights of others, JOMO invites us to step back, enjoy what truly matters, and find fulfillment in the moments we choose.

In an era where influencers are often the driving force behind FOMO, the shift toward JOMO encourages us to rethink our relationship with social media. It’s about rediscovering joy in life’s simple pleasures, focusing on what genuinely fulfills us, and letting go of the pressure to constantly be “in the know” or “in the picture.” Here’s why JOMO is the mindset shift we need and how you can start embracing it in your own life.

Understanding FOMO: Why Social Media Feeds It

Social media has created an environment where we’re bombarded with highlight reels, especially from influencers who make every outing, meal, and even downtime look amazing. The allure of influencers is that they seem to have it all—adventure, style, a seemingly endless social calendar, and the freedom to live on their own terms. But as we know, much of this is curated, edited, and often far from the everyday reality.

This constant exposure to polished moments can make us feel as if we’re missing out on something better, something more exciting than our own lives. That’s the essence of FOMO: the worry that someone else is living a better, richer, and more fulfilling life. And with the “compare and despair” mindset that FOMO triggers, we often feel less connected to our own experiences and more focused on what we lack.

What is JOMO?

JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out, is the antidote to FOMO. Rather than fixating on what others are doing, JOMO is all about finding happiness in what you’re not doing—in choosing what truly brings you joy, even if it doesn’t come with a photo op or hashtag. JOMO allows you to step away from the need for constant validation, letting you savor the small, private moments that often bring the most satisfaction.

At its heart, JOMO isn’t about disconnecting from life; it’s about connecting with the things that genuinely matter to you, free from the influence of what everyone else is doing. Instead of wondering what you might be missing, JOMO encourages you to feel content with exactly where you are.

The Shift from FOMO to JOMO: Why It Matters

Making the shift from FOMO to JOMO isn’t just refreshing; it’s transformative. By letting go of the pressure to keep up with social media’s relentless feed of “perfect” moments, we free ourselves to live more authentically, focusing on what genuinely brings us joy and peace. Here are some ways embracing JOMO can have a profound impact on our well-being:

1. Rediscovering Self-Contentment: JOMO teaches us that we don’t have to be at every event or constantly posting about our lives to be happy. Instead, we learn to find contentment in our own unique journey, even if it’s quieter or looks different from others.

2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: The endless comparison loop of FOMO can lead to stress and anxiety, often making us feel like we’re not enough. JOMO, however, lets us find calm and satisfaction in our choices, free from external pressures.

3. Fostering Genuine Connections: With JOMO, we become more present in the real world, connecting deeply with those around us rather than endlessly scrolling. We invest in relationships that matter, nurturing bonds with family, friends, and community.

4. Finding True Fulfillment: Instead of chasing trends or living up to influencer standards, JOMO helps us connect with what truly fulfills us. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book or time spent with loved ones, JOMO encourages us to prioritize what feels right to us.

Tips for Embracing JOMO and Letting Go of FOMO

Ready to shift from FOMO to JOMO? Here are a few practical steps to help you embrace this joyful mindset and make social media work for you, not against you:

1. Curate Your Feed with Intention

• Take control of your social media by unfollowing accounts that make you feel inadequate or anxious. Instead, fill your feed with content that uplifts and inspires you. Follow people, brands, and communities that share values you admire and contribute positively to your life.

2. Set Digital Boundaries

• Consider setting specific times for social media to avoid mindless scrolling. Turning off notifications or using a screen-time app can help create digital boundaries that keep you focused on what matters most in your life.

3. Practice Mindful Social Media Use

• Before logging in, ask yourself what you hope to gain from the experience. Are you looking for inspiration, connecting with friends, or simply passing time? Approaching social media mindfully helps you avoid getting caught up in the comparison game.

4. Celebrate “Missing Out” Moments

• Next time you choose to stay in, relax, or do something quiet instead of going out, celebrate that decision. Lean into the joy of a night off, an unplugged weekend, or a moment of solitude. Give yourself permission to feel satisfied with your choice.

5. Focus on What You Love

• JOMO is about embracing what makes you happy, even if it’s not social media-friendly. If you love gardening, writing, cooking, or hiking, dedicate time to those activities. When we invest in our true interests, we stop feeling the need to “perform” for social media.

6. Remind Yourself of the Highlights Reel Reality

• Remember, social media is a curated version of life. Influencers and even friends often share only the highlights. While it’s natural to feel FOMO, reminding yourself that everyone has challenges behind the scenes can help you put things in perspective.

The Joy in Being Present

One of the most beautiful things about JOMO is that it brings us back to the present. Instead of constantly reaching for the next moment, the next experience, or the next post, we start cherishing the here and now. The joy of missing out allows us to be fully immersed in the simple pleasures: a cozy morning at home, a slow cup of coffee, or a walk with a friend.

When we embrace JOMO, we find peace in knowing that we don’t have to keep up with everything happening on social media. We realize that a truly fulfilling life isn’t one that’s constantly broadcast—it’s the life we choose for ourselves, rich with our own priorities, values, and joys.

The Final Shift: Moving from Comparison to Contentment

The shift from FOMO to JOMO is more than just a mindset change—it’s a pathway to living more fully and authentically. By letting go of the pressure to match the highlight reels of influencers and peers, we give ourselves the freedom to enjoy the lives we have, just as they are. We no longer feel compelled to keep up; instead, we feel empowered to slow down, savor, and show up fully in our own experiences.

So, the next time you feel that familiar tug of FOMO, consider reframing it as a chance for JOMO. Choose to disconnect, enjoy your own company, and celebrate the joys that don’t need an audience. Because ultimately, the best moments are often the ones we keep to ourselves, shared with those closest to us, or enjoyed in peaceful solitude.

Here’s to embracing the Joy of Missing Out and shifting our focus to what truly brings us happiness. Cheers to living life on our terms, one intentional moment at a time.