That 'SPOTLIGHT EFFECT'

That 'SPOTLIGHT EFFECT'

I am no psychologist but social psychologists introduced the term 'SPOTLIGHT EFFECT' which refers to our human tendency to overestimate HOW much other people notice about us.  In other words, we tend to think there is a SPOTLIGHT on us all the times, highlighting our MISTAKES or FLAWS for all the world to see.  To complicate things, the same experts highlight that for people with SOCIAL ANXIETY, the SPOTLIGHT EFFECT can be much worse to the point that it affects our ability to work or feel comfortable around others📗📙📘

Frankly, it is NOT uncommon to find ourself feeling embarrassed.  However, for people with SOCIAL ANXIETY, this feeling can be overemphasized.  Classic example is, if you wake up late and go to work with your disheveled hair, you may be convinced that everyone notices and secretly thinks badly of you❌❌❌

Let's think of REAL-LIFE occasions where we [or YOU] felt like everyone was watching YOU like when you were wearing a new outfit to work slightly different from your usual style.  You end up worrying all day that other people did notice your outfit and judge you.  In REALITY, most people likely DIDN'T pay much attention to WHAT you were wearing OR if they did, they probably thought it looked fine✅✅✅

Sometimes, that bugging apprehension related to amplifying your PERSONAL FLAW.  IF you are worried about something you see as your PERSONAL FLAW such as a bad habit, you might feel it is obvious and that others will immediately notice it.  That can lead to TENSION and ANXIETY though💡💡💡

Making MISTAKE is another common dilemma. You might feel like people are watching your work or performance and noticing every small MISTAKE.  That can make you feel scrutinized and self-conscious and the ANXIETY it creates can even affect your motivation, productivity or performance  The irony of these all is that for LITTLE or NO issues at all, you end falling prey to that SPOTLIGHT EFFECT [when you should NOT be] at all📌📌📌