"BABE, I've got it all planned out! I'll drop the pic of me in that red shirt casually leaning against the tree at 8 in the morning. That's prime scrolling time, you know! Then, there'll be a strategic pause, and I'll unleash the next masterpiece..."
Thus, the saga unfolds!
I have a friend — a dear one, I hasten to add — who orchestrates his social media postings with military precision. Being a socmed klutz, I can't help but marvel at his dedication and finesse — not to mention the amount of free time he seems to have — in crafting and curating content from the mundane to the extraordinary, all for the consumption of his friends and acquaintances.
Ah, the marvels of the digital age! In an era where our lives are more entangled with the virtual world than ever before, social media platforms — whether it's Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or any other platform du jour — serve as the modern-day equivalent of a digital diary. They chronicle our triumphs, our tribulations, and everything in between, offering a curated glimpse into our lives for the world to behold.
Nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than during festive seasons like Hari Raya, where the vibrant array of cultural traditions and familial bonds is shared and celebrated online with much fervour.
Amidst the flurry of activity and excitement that accompanies Hari Raya preparations, another dimension of the celebration will inevitably unfold in the digital realm. As families meticulously decorate their homes, prepare mouthwatering feasts and don their finest OOTD (outfit of the day) attire, social media platforms become a stage for showcasing these moments, creating an idyllic portrayal of the holiday.
However, behind the polished veneer of these posts, there's a whole tangled web of emotions and perceptions that can really mess with our holiday vibe. Enter FOMO, or "fear of missing out" — the ultimate party pooper!
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHT REELS
Before you feel bad, let's just remember that social media often presents a curated version of reality — a highlight reel, if you will. People tend to showcase only the most "picturesque" moments of their celebrations, omitting the less glamorous aspects, such as the chaos in the kitchen, family squabbles or moments of exhaustion.
ILLUSION OF PERFECTION
As a result, scrolling through these carefully crafted posts can foster unrealistic expectations and a sense of inadequacy. You start comparing your own celebrations to the seemingly flawless ones depicted online, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction with our own experiences and a fear of missing out on the idealised version of, say, Hari Raya.
HEIGHTENED FOMO
The pressure to keep up with the curated images and videos on social media can exacerbate feelings of FOMO, making you feel like you need to participate in every event, clad yourself in the latest "viral" Raya fashion, or create the most Instagram-worthy spread.
This fear of missing out can drive us to over-extend ourselves; perhaps to attend as many gatherings as we can in a day, or spending beyond our means to achieve a certain aesthetic.
COMBATTING FOMO
To counteract the negative effects of FOMO during Hari Raya, it's so important to remember that social media presents a skewed version of reality and that everyone's celebration is unique to their own circumstances. Instead of fixating on comparison, why not just focus on appreciating the genuine moments of connection and joy with loved ones.
PRACTISE GRATITUDE
Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by focusing on the blessings and joys in your own life, rather than comparing yourself to other people's highlight reels on social media. Take some time to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the love of family and friends, the abundance of delicious festive spread, or the simple pleasures of just watching P. Ramlee movie reruns on television with the family.
MINDFUL CONSUMPTION
How about limiting your time spent scrolling through feeds and being selective about the content you engage with if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or consumed by feelings of FOMO?
One way to practice mindful consumption is by setting boundaries around our social media usage. Establish designated times during the day to check your feeds, such as in the morning or evening, and avoid mindlessly scrolling through content during other times.
Designate specific periods of digital detox, where you fully disconnect from social media to focus on being present in the moment and engaging in meaningful interactions with loved ones. Always remember that what you see online is only a fraction of the full story, and it's okay to take breaks from social media in order to restore balance and perspective.
AUTHENTICITY OVER PERFECTION
Embrace the imperfections and quirks of your own Hari Raya celebration, knowing that authenticity is more valuable than perfection. Share genuine moments of laughter, love and togetherness with your online community, knowing that true connections are built on sincerity rather than glossy filters.
By recognising the role of social media in shaping perceptions of Hari Raya and making the effort to combat the pressures of comparison and FOMO, we can begin to embrace the joy and authenticity of our own celebrations, both online and offline.
Most importantly, cherish the moments of connection and togetherness with loved ones. This should be the highlight of our celebration.
