These days, owning several smartphones is almost fashionable. People take their tablets on holiday, or worse, to the beach and even to the bathroom. There is a constant, irresistible urge to post a Facebook or Twitter update in the middle of a conversation. And the laptop? Always on standby.
The internet has become part of our lives. We spend a great deal of time on social media, games, news sites and apps. Mobile internet lets us go online whenever we like. The desire to be “always connected” may even be making more people overly dependent on the internet and particular online activities.
Sound familiar? You may recognise FOMO, or the “fear of missing out”. It is the feeling that we must always be available and must not miss anything happening in the world.
This behaviour has become almost standard. Although I could no longer imagine life without my smartphone, I sometimes secretly long for the days before mobile phones. We used to arrange to meet at the playground and, later, at our favourite pub. If the nightclub was empty, we could not warn each other on WhatsApp; we simply made an enjoyable evening of it anyway.
I do not think my own FOMO is particularly advanced. But, honestly, the danger zone is within reach. That is why I am challenging everyone to take part in International Unplugging Day today: a day to avoid technology, pull out plugs and visit places without Wi-Fi.
Although everyone at Progress Communications, myself included, is a dedicated technology and gadget enthusiast, I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative. Put your smartphones and wearables aside for a while today. Think of it as an experiment, but above all as a challenge. Get some fresh air at lunchtime. Have a chat with the colleague you have not seen in a while. Most of all, enjoy yourself. Enjoy JOMO: the joy of missing out.
Aurélie
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