Understanding the spotlight effect: A study of social perception and body image concern among selected adolescence in Sharjah

A study from the Emirate of Sharjah looked at how adolescents think others pay them the same attention they do to others. The objective was to determine whether or not adolescents’ self-consciousness, which refers to their belief that they are being watched or judged, is related to their dissatisfaction with their appearance and low social confidence. The study had a descriptive-correlational non-experimental design. The online questionnaire consisted of choice-based questions on a Likert scale and brief open-ended questions for primary data. This questionnaire was delivered to a total of 60 students studying in 10th, 11th and 12th grade. The results of the study showed that almost all participants had the impression that others noticed their looks and mistakes more than they did. This backed the so-called spotlight effect. Also, the result showed that the more social attention the adolescents felt they received from others the more body image concern they had with lower social confidence and comparison of appearance, especially on social media. Compared to boys, adolescent girls express more concern for their appearance, but boys are also quite conscious of their looks. The body image and self-confidence of adolescents in social situations were largely affected by the spotlight effect. This study finds ways to enhance the body image of young girls.  Young people can gain real insight into the social rewards they get in-person and online.  Parents and educators must be conscious of these effects.