Many people are afraid of the gaze of the crowd. According to psychologists, the reason for this is the effect of a searchlight. In our article, we will explain in more detail what projecting is, and find out its main reasons. And also give advice on what to do if you become a victim of this phenomenon.
Explanation of the phenomenon
People envy successful celebrities, but forget that fame is a burden. The stars are pursued by paparazzi, photographing them in an unsightly form or for unattractive activities, for example, picking their nose or for a walk in a dirty jacket (the whole world will immediately know about it).
Stars live under the control of the crowd and bright spotlights. So their flaws become the property of mankind. This phenomenon is called the "spotlight effect."
Projecting is a reappraisal of society’s attention to a person. In other words, it seems that everyone is looking at the individual and seeing all his miscalculations. It is worth noting that this is actually an effect, not a pathology of the brain - this phenomenon is characteristic not only of stars, but also of ordinary people.
Some people think that wrinkled wrinkles on the blouse are visible to every passenger in the car, while others think that everyone on the street is laughing when they see a person stumble. Still others try to find flaws in their appearance and believe that everyone pays attention to them.
Main reasons
Just like many subconscious reactions, projection in psychology is a phenomenon from childhood. When a person grows, parents watch his every move. They worry that he would not harm himself or ruin an expensive thing. At the same time, they note the shortcomings of children and their flaws. Of course, they see the positive, rejoice in the successes of the children, but at the same time they see everything, including their miscalculations.
It is good if the parents gently correct the defects of the child, tactfully explaining the mistakes. However, not every mother or father does this. Many scold children even for minor flaws: they say so that they do not hunch, do not stain clothes, eat carefully.
The result is a long list of reproaches to children. It may seem to mom or dad that they are developing the right habits in their son or daughter. In fact, they create the basis for complexes and self-doubt.
Low self-esteem is laid down by close people who are ready to report shortcomings without hesitation. At the same time, they rarely notice virtues. That is why psychologists say that projecting is when a person has the idea that people looking at him see only negative features (although they don't give a damn about crooked fingers or everyday awkwardness).
What to do?
It is necessary to stop depending on the opinions of others and not to give up one’s point of view. You should also realize that a person cannot be an ideal for everyone and fight unhealthy perfectionism.