Spotlight Effect: Why You Think Everyone Notices Mistakes
The spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that makes you believe others notice your mistakes and appearance far more than they actually do. Research shows people overestimate others' attention by more than double—while you replay embarrassing moments, others have already forgotten them. Evidence-based strategies like perspective-shifting, self-compassion, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness can help you escape this illusion and build genuine confidence in social situations.
