The Spotlight Effect: Social Psychology Phenomenon

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Introduction

The social psychology phenomenon that I have chosen is the spotlight effect. The spotlight effect is the belief that others are paying more attention to one's appearance and behavior than they really are (Myers, 2013). This phenomenon occurs more in adolescence and in situations such as public speaking or if a person has a change in appearance (i.e. a blemish or a “bad” haircut). The spotlight effect particularly interests me because I have experienced this phenomenon and I have seen many of my friends and family members experience it as well. I feel that it is fascinating that people feel that others are paying more attention to them than they actually are and that we see ourselves as center stage (Myers, 2013).

Summary & Analysis

To further understand the spotlight effect two research articles will be summarized and analyzed. The first by Gilovish and Savisky (1999) titled The Spotlight Effect and the Illusion of Transparency: Egocentric Assessments of How We are Seen by Others is a review that focuses on the judgments people make about how they are seen by others. Gilovish and Savisky (1999) explain several studies that use the spotlight effect. In one study certain participants were asked to wear a Barry Manilow t-shirt and sit in a room with where several other participants were filling out paperwork. After some time, the participant wearing the shirt was escorted out of the room and asked how many people in the room would be able to recall who was on their t-shirt. The participants overestimated the accuracy of the observers and the participants wearing the t-shirt were noticed much less than they suspected (Gilovish & Savisky, 1999).

In another study by Brown and Stopa (2006) titled The Spotlight Effect...

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...t effect does take place and many many implications, both small and large. Overall, I found that the commonality of the spotlight effect to be the most interesting. It is both a shock and relief to know how many people it influences and the extent of that influence. I also find it fascinating that the feeling I have when I have a pimple and everyone must be staring at me has a title and is a social psychology phenomenon.

Works Cited

Brown, M. A., & Stopa, L. (2006). The spotlight effect and the illusion of transparency in social anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, (21), 804-819.

Gilovich, T., & Savitsky, K. (1999). The spotlight effect and the illusion of transparency: Egocentric assessments of how we are seen by others.Current Directions in Psychological Science, 165-168.

Myers, D. G. (2013). Social psychology. (11 ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

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