The Spotlight Effect

By Daniel Chen

The Spotlight Effect is when people think others care more about them than they actually do. This often comes from how we're raised, where children are taught they're the center of attention and adults cater to them. Social status and visibility can make us overly concerned about how we look and perform, especially for teens and young adults still figuring out what matters most to them. For example, in group activities, I might feel important because everyone asks for my opinion, but really they're just avoiding making decisions themselves. To feel less uncomfortable about the Spotlight Effect, remind yourself that people probably don't think about you as much as you imagine. This can help reduce stress and let you relax more.