The Joy of Missing Out

Are you using technology or is technology using you? The topic was discussed on the LIKE virtual screening and panel discussion on 1 December 2020. The movie explores the impact of social media on our lives, especially youth.

The event was organized by the Council of International Schools with a membership of 740 schools and 610 universities in over 110 different countries.

Scilla Andreen, director and producer of the movie, lead the discussion with the panels that include Andari Karina Anom (Head of Communication Program, BINUS University International), Azam, M. (New York University, Abu Dhabi), Ying Li (University World College, Changshu China), Neha Qazi (Swiss International Scientific School, Dubai); and Simon Mann (Dover Court International School, Singapore).

The movies showed how the youth are so addicted to social media. One of the main reasons is FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. It  was the most significant contributing factor to explain the emergence of social media addiction.

FOMO relates to a feeling that friends and connections are leading more interesting and rewarding lives, creating a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing online. Social media creates pleasure experience as well as anxiety. The grass are greener on the other side. People tend to feel worst about themselves.

Andari highlighted the healthier choice of using social media for the youth. Instead of drowning to it, it will be better for the youth to create useful and creative content based on their interest, without compromising the mental health of their own and their peers. Social media is what me make out of it.

Instead of fear of missing out, sometimes it is better to enjoy JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out. So much joy of NOT KNOWING what everyone else is doing!

Contributor: Andari Karina Anom, MA.

Editor: Andari Karina Anom, MA.