The Joy of Missing Out
Two and a half months ago, I took a sabbatical from social media platforms. Instagram and Facebook were filling me in with more than I could take.
When I was quarantined during the Covid third wave, I wanted to check my perseverance without these platforms and went unplugged. I read, crafted, exercised, and pajama-partied. Little did I know that what I started with a mere five days trial shall last for a whopping 75 days long worthwhile disengagement from social networks.
While social media – understandably - bags a lot of merits to itself, it was taking a toll on my mental peace for quite some time. It had decreased my productivity and concentration. It had replaced my hobbies with trending fads. I was dwelling virtually with Influencers more than the real people around me. Following after the mad-internet-rush had become my routine. The fear of missing out (FOMO), almost every time, prevailed over my self-made rules. I, finally, snapped when I realized that social media was changing ‘me’. Once never a nosy person, I was snooping on people’s profiles, checking out their vacation destinations, ogling over their beauty styles, watching the 5 minutes craft videos (without actually making one), and splurging on things I could have easily managed without. I was failingly straining my personal life in an attempt to fit in. I was sailing in a mad rush to avoid being left behind.
My loathing for social media comes from the façade that people are building to shape their online presence. Thanks to my age-gained wisdom, I do not let people’s social media resumes frame my opinion about them. I still believe in the mystery of knowing people right from where it is meant to begin. I still believe in having a private life; being surrounded by a small yet meaningful circle of friends; and cherishing real, non-Instagram-ey moments!
So what did I miss in these 75 days? Maybe some wedding pictures, pregnancy announcements, and trending memes. While I may not be ready to completely extricate myself out of the labyrinth of social media; but on my terms, I will decide how far down the rabbit hole am I willing to jump.
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