Definition

The spotlight effect is a very common psychological phenomenon that psychologists define as a person's tendency to overestimate the extent to which others notice, judge, and remember his or her appearance and [Page 935]behavior. In other words, it represents a person's conviction that the social spotlight shines more brightly on him or her than is actually the case. Would you be reluctant to go to the movies alone because of a fear that others might see you there and conclude that you don't have many friends? Do you spend long periods in front of the mirror each day making sure that your hair is groomed just right or that your clothes create just the right impression? Does it feel like all eyes are on you ...