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 opposed to suppression, I get concerned about how others with less integrity use that expression. Which brings me to my next point…

Social media has a way of bringing out the narcissist in many a user. Take note of users’ vanity, attention-seeking, self-importance, grandiosity, manipulation of information, lack of empathy, sense of superiority, and emotional volatility. Psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula describes social media as a “language” that narcissists use “like a drug and a weapon.” Try this out for fun; challenge people on their ill-informed opinions, baseless claims or “FACTS!” and enjoy the self-righteous return fire. Some will tell folks to simply ignore narcissistic shenanigans; but unsuspecting social media users looking for honest, harmonious person-to-person engagement even in…