Oh No, FOMO!!!!!

I discovered a new crippling social anxiety called FOMO–Fear Of Missing Out. This one’s a doozie. According to A.K. Przybylski in his scientific article, Computers in Human Behavior, FOMO is characterized by “a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing”. This adolescent social angst  may lead to a compulsive concern that they might miss an opportunity for social interaction. Or FOMO may foster a fear among teens that others are talking about them.

You can witness FOMO first hand. Just find a teenager anywhere on the planet. They’ll either be talking on their phone or scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr and YikYak among others.

I just wonder if FOMO may become a ridiculous legal defense strategy, similar to Afluenza. Afluenza is the outrageous defense Nathan Couch’s lawyers used to convince a judge to grant Couch probation rather than face prison time for drunk driving that killed four people.

The antidote for FOMO is JOMO–the Joy Of Missing Out. That means you prefer being unavailable and deliberately risk missing a party that could be the greatest of all time, because (to be honest) you really don’t care and would rather stay home and watch that new Sandra Bullock movie.

I’m so grateful we don’t have to worry about missing out on God’s continuous fountain of blessings and grace. As long as we remain attached to the vine (John 15:5) we can love Him and serve Him and bring Him glory. As we abide in Him we become ready to receive His blessings and grace. FOMO will disappear forever.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you; Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10