Society is degenerating to a constant state of anxiety and fear, especially the fear of missing out. What if we missed an email, text, post, tweet, party, sale, invitation, night out, gossip, especially about celebrities, trips, trends…what if we just missed something? The only thing we don’t fear missing out on…voting.
While reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by the stunningly beautiful, talented, and hilarious Mindy Kaling (Three Rivers Press) I had an a-ha moment. The book itself was funny, charming, authentic, very much what you’d expect from the writer and star of The Mindy Project and The Office, she’s a hot mess and makes it work, but I started thinking about why more and more people are more depressed, stressed, anxious, suicidal, homicidal, etc. than ever, even children. I’m sure there are multiple reasons, but being in constant contact, rampant consumerism, extreme inequality, and fear of missing out must be high on the list.
So a bunch of money-grubbing, self-regulating corporations appeal to natural human curiosity, use culturally complex language, jargon, fear of missing out, pop culture references, celebrities, and even bullying to ensure we feel compelled to consume, which leads to wanting and buying and consuming even more which leads to, well, you get the picture. This isn’t just adults, we’re letting our children be groomed, to be exploited, for profit. Isn’t there a name for that?
The good news, there’s no need to stop consuming, or watching TV, or going on the internet…we just slow down and consider the source, who will profit.
Symptoms of a fear of missing out may include, but are not limited to:
1. Forgetting those you love or those in need while rushing around trying not to miss out.
2. Rationalizing buying products manufactured under deplorable conditions.
3. Describing wants as needs or worse believing wants are needs.
4. Obsessing about products, services, and activities.
5. Putting items above people.
There is hope. Some people might be doing things you’re not or having things you’re not, that doesn’t mean they’re happier or more content. It’s not a contest. Hopefully this will all level out and people will finally see what’s important instead of what’s advertised.
Since the holiday season is already being forced on us to stretch out the shopping and socializing so we’ll spend more, don’t fear missing out, celebrate what you have.
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So very true. Like all technological advancements, the world wide web has its flip side as well.
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Everything has it’s good and bad, we just have to recognize which is which.
Thanks for dropping by, hope your weekend is going well so far. 🙂
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Yes, thank you!
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Very welcome! 🙂
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Have taken the liberty of posting this on FB, under a small group known as SPIN – Society for Prevention of Internet Narcissism. Hope that would meet with your approval!
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Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you. 🙂 It looks great and I shared it with the name of the group (which I liked, it’s cool). Thanks again. 🙂
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Welcome!
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🙂
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I wonder if, as you get older, you start not giving a s*-@t any more. I found in my twenties and thirties, I had to be everywhere. Forties, I wasn’t having an aneurysm if I missed something, but close. Fifty hit and I now live a live of, “been there, done that, couldn’t be bothered”. But my interests and goals have changed and don’t involve a replica of the set of Friends. I’m happier.
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I think you’ve done so in a natural progression, some people seem to want more and more and to do more and more, even as they get older.
Better to be happier. 🙂
Hope your weekend is going purrrr-fectly. 😉
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I think I have started to know that the more you want or have doesn’t mean your going to be happier. It’s the little things…OH look a twig! Have a great Sunday. 😉
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You have found the key to happiest, she typed, eating a warm chocolate chip cookie. 😉
Have a great day!!! 🙂
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“Symptoms of a fear of missing out may include, but are not limited to” is the best 5 things that we all do. Rationalizing is one of those things that can’t be missed.
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Very true. Thank you for dropping by. 🙂
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I was just thinking the same thing. lol. 🙂 I’m trying to get over it. We still have each other Ms. Parker.
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Yes we do…yes, we do. lol 🙂
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mindy kaling does have a brilliant mind
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Funny and thinking always go well together. 🙂
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Celebrate what you have! I like that. This holiday season pressure can be overwhelming. Thanks for sharing.
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Exactly. People should think less of what they want and enjoy what they have, at any time of year. 🙂
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You had me at the Doctor. Love this..needed to read this.
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lol we are sympatico with The Doctor and I’m so glad you found it when you needed it. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
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