Everyone else is doing well except me... Watching SNS makes my heart race; it could be 'this syndrome'

There are many people suffering from social exclusion anxiety due to social media and other factors. They fear being ostracized (commonly known as "bullying") by those around them. Exclusion anxiety is also called "FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome."

 

According to the American health portal 'WebMD,' social exclusion phobia is mainly reported by people experiencing depression or anxiety disorders, those with low self-esteem, teenagers, and young adults. They believe that others are more successful, have more money, are more loved by others, live more interesting lives, and spend money extravagantly. They feel that they are the only ones being excluded and experience fear. Many cases of this social exclusion phobia are triggered by social media. Some people, often called 'attention seekers,' exaggerate their lives to attract others' interest, which particularly fuels this fear.

 

People suffering from social exclusion phobia tend to have a strong sense of being ostracized. They frequently experience sadness, anxiety, shame, or guilt. They may feel sad or embarrassed about not being invited to certain gatherings. They fear not being able to lead a wonderful life like others. These individuals often become deeply absorbed in social media (SNS) or tend to be very open about sexuality. There is also research indicating that they are at high risk of engaging in promiscuous relationships, such as one-night stands, out of fear of falling behind others. Although these symptoms are more common among young people, they can occur in anyone regardless of age.

If you feel fear of social exclusion (bullying), you can take various measures. You can cut ties with social media accounts that make you feel bad, turn off social media notifications, completely stop using social media or your phone within an hour before bedtime, avoid reaching for your phone even if you wake up during the night, or temporarily suspend social media use. [Source] Getty Images Bank

 

Fear of social exclusion, or 'FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome,' is the fear of being ostracized.

 

Social media is a window that openly allows us to peek into other people's lives. It is a 'magical window' that we never could have imagined in the past. There, we are more likely to see only the best moments of someone's life. For this reason, one researcher said, "Social media creates a distorted perception of edited others' lives." Looking into social media suddenly makes my own life feel dull.

 

According to a study published in the Journal of Emotional Disorders earlier, young adults who spend more time on social media are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking shows that people with depression or anxiety tend to spend more time on social media.

 

People with social phobia tend to constantly check notifications on their mobile phones and prioritize social media relationships and networks over real-life human interactions. Physically, they may experience symptoms such as abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea, body aches, headaches, and a pounding heart. Mentally, they may feel anxious and have persistent intrusive thoughts or engage in negative self-talk. These symptoms may seem trivial to others around them, but they can have a very negative impact on their lives. They may go beyond fear and anxiety to experience severe terror. In fact, certain parts of the brain related to fear become active.

 

They have difficulty performing tasks that require precise thinking and concentration. Their school grades or work efficiency decline. Depression causes sleep deprivation, which can lead to poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity such as exercise.

 

Digital space is essentially a 'virtual space'... a 'digital detox' such as disconnecting from friends or stopping social media is necessary.

 

How should I cope with social anxiety disorder? First, you need to identify the factors that trigger the symptoms. Determine which social media platforms or which people (accounts) evoke the most fear. You might only feel depressed or anxious when you see online posts from a particular friend who always seems to enjoy vacations and frequently shows off new clothes. Certain types of social media accounts (such as travel influencers or food enthusiasts) may tend to intimidate or discourage me.

 

If you discover factors that induce social exclusion anxiety, appropriate measures should be taken. You can cut ties with social media accounts that make you feel bad, turn off social media notifications, completely stop using social media or your phone within an hour before bedtime, or avoid reaching for your phone even if you wake up during the night. You can also use apps that limit screen time or significantly reduce the time spent on certain apps during the day. Alternatively, you might consider a complete 'digital detox.' This involves temporarily disconnecting from all social media. After some time, you may realize how much social media has been constraining you. A period of rest can also serve as a catalyst for completely changing your social media habits.

 

Always remember that there can be surprisingly many exaggerated contents on social media compared to reality. Most people do not post their ugly moments at all. If you carefully look into your life, there may be quite good moments for you too. Let's make a list of those. When you restart social media, you can carefully share your joyful moments like that. Digital space is essentially a 'virtual space.'

 

by. Kormedi.com

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The word "social phobia" is unfamiliar.

I don't even use KakaoTalk well, but in app tech.

You earn points by verifying your SNS or adding more.

I occasionally go in, but my child also participates frequently.

It seems like you're doing it.

I should engage in healthy SNS activities.