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You are here: Home / Fall 2021 / Fall 2021: Course/Section / Fall 2021: 201-01 / PSYC 201-01_Fall21_Graphic5

Spotlight Effect: How Understanding Eases Anxiety

Aria Chermansky

an infographic created as part of Dr. Erchull’s Social Psychology course
(Fall 2021)

Students were asked to “give psychology away” through an infographic designed to educate an audience of their choice about an idea from social psychology that the group would benefit from understanding

TOPIC: the spotlight effect
AUDIENCE: 18-21 year olds

    Mary McConnell
    3 Dec 2021
    4:20pm

    Like the look of your infographic! I think this topic is great for the age range you chose. I certainly think that if people knew that others felt the same as they did, or at least very similarly, it would ease some of their anxiety.

    Reply
    Kree Pace
    4 Dec 2021
    7:07am

    Thank you for sharing. I knew anxiety could be connected to the feeling of being constantly watched and judged by those around you, but I did not know the name was Spotlight Effect. It makes sense that everyone is affected by the Spotlight Effect to some degree, and that those with anxiety have a more intense version of it. Humans are social creatures, and we often behave or think based off of how others do. This can become a problem when we are too rigidly attached to following or adjusting ourselves based off of that, established when we don’t actually know what others are thinking. I can definitely see your infographic being useful for people with anxiety or even just low self esteem and insecurity. Good job!

    Reply
    Stahlman
    4 Dec 2021
    9:01am

    Nice graphic. Does this effect vary by so-called extraversion? People vary wildly in terms of whether attention, and from whom it comes, is a positive or an aversive experience.

    Reply
    Destiny Corazzini
    4 Dec 2021
    11:52pm

    I really loved the layout and design of this poster. I knew the general feelings and symptoms of anxiety, but I found it interesting that there is an umbrella name that certain kinds of feelings can fall under “spotlight effect.” I also really liked how you broke down the information into clear and easy to understand sections. Great work!

    Reply
    Angel Coto
    5 Dec 2021
    12:36am

    I really like the way you made your poster! It’s very appealing and super easy to follow! I think this is a great topic to talk about and very relevant to the age groups mentioned. I never heard of the “spotlight effect” but you did a wonderful job explaining it and how the technique is used when relevant to people. Overall, great job!

    Reply
    Maddy Gedney
    5 Dec 2021
    11:58am

    Thank you for sharing! Your infographic looked really nice! I knew about the spotlight effect, and it definitely pertains to the 18-21 age group as they go to social gatherings frequently and want to feel accepted there. Anxiety plays a large effect in worrying about how others perceive you. Great job!

    Reply
    Faith StClair
    5 Dec 2021
    1:20pm

    I really enjoyed your poster! I think social media plays a huge role in this idea of people thinking others are watching them more than they actually are. The poster is organized really well and easy to follow along. I think you did a great job on this!

    Reply
    Aria Janello
    5 Dec 2021
    6:13pm

    Thank you for sharing! Your poster was so organized and engaging. I had never heard of the Spotlight Effect, but you did such a great job at explaining it thoroughly but clearly. Having the age group be 18-21 was very fitting, especially since that is an age where most are in a new, unfamiliar environment where I can imagine heightens anxiety even more! Great job!

    Reply
    Kate Ramirez
    5 Dec 2021
    7:59pm

    The infographic is amazing! I liked how you first talk about what the spotlight effect is to diving deeper into specifics. I wonder if the percentage for social anxiety has increased during the pandemic since we were inside the majority of the time. You did awesome!!

    Reply

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