My Case of #HIAMO

Recently, I learned about “FOMO.” Watching Hulu’s documentary “Fyre Fraud”, I learned that FOMO is “fear of missing out” on all kinds of social media trends and goodness. Who knew? Okay, everyone else knew. Since I am as engaged in social media as much as the next carpal tunnel victim, I wondered if I would come down with a case of FOMO during my social media fast in early April.

Actually, I came down with a case of “HIAMO” — “happy I am missing out.” I enjoyed time away from ideological babble on Twitter, tirades on Facebook, and Instagram fitness acrobatics that I may be able to do in another lifetime. I spent more time journaling, enjoying beautiful New Orleans weather, and reading actual news.

And I even, like, read a book and stuff.

To come clean, I know these are not the issues of social media. It’s on me that I get riled up because of people’s opinions. That being said, HIAMO saved me from being annoyed by foolishness.

Here’s where I am not alone; social media will eat away at your emotional intelligence if you let it. In fact, it can outright compromise your mental health. Believe it or not, there is a condition called social media anxiety disorder. Studies show that symptoms include withdrawal from loved ones, anxiety about not being able to check social media, lying to others about the amount of time spent on social media, and even neglecting important obligations in addition to other symptoms. While I admire people who use social media to improve their mental health through expression as…