We’re having more and more difficulty disconnecting and being alone. Why?

FOMO

What is FOMO? Well, you know that feeling you get when your internet starts cutting out? Or you don’t have any signal? Or the absolute worst… you left your phone at home?

Now imagine that feeling as a teenager…

It’s anxiety, and it affects us all, but especially the younger kids, and interestingly enough, women more than men. Here’s an article from The New York Times on it, and below is a link to a newer report from ABC news.

ABC News: Are you a Slave to FOMO?

Here’s a great video on texting and FOMO to get a good debate started with the kids.

MSNBC: Is the Internet Driving Us Mad?

I had some success having the students read this blog post and then reflecting on it in their journals. Some of them even claimed they were going to set their own bedtimes. We’ll see if that sticks.

5 Ways to Change the World in Your Sleep

When it comes to older teenagers and FOMO, research recommends parents and professors give them time to check in with their social networks, or they’ll constantly worry about what they’re missing on their screens…. making it harder for them to engage with what’s happening off.