Motivation and emotion/Book/2024/Fear of judgement and social media

Fear of judgment and social media:
How does the fear of being judged undermine posting on social media and how can this be overcome?

Multimedia presentation (3 min)

Overview

Figure 1. Social media can become extremely overwhelming Have you ever... Ever paused before clicking the "post" button on social media? Perhaps you spent hours creating the perfect caption for the perfect photo. But wait! Aunt Karen might think the lighting isn't good enough! We've all been there: staring at our phones, wondering if others will like it or, worse, judge us (see Figure 2). Welcome to the world of social media, where a simple post can be a nerve-racking decision.

Imagine a world where our self-worth is determined by a double tap or a comment, where the number of likes can bolster or deflate our confidence, and where follows and shares assess our social connections. Sound familiar? With six billion global users, Social media is a complicated digital ecosystem in which people must navigate platform alternatives, reaction expectations, anticipated audiences, and posting standards (See figure 1; Kelly et al., 2020; Piko et al., 2024). Likes and views can serve as a status and popularity symbol, leading to low self-esteem (Winstone et al., 2023). Furthermore, people utilise filters and Photoshop to satisfy unattainable expectations.

Figure 2. Although you can't see their faces, we still stare at our phones wondering if people are judging us

Fear of judgment and social media is an important field of emotional study as it focuses on the psychological consequences of online interactions. It is also known as fear of negative evaluation (FNE) in which individuals are apprehensive towards others' opinions of them (Watson and Friend, 1969). High FNE is associated with high levels of anxiety, particularly that of social. This anxiety can inhibit people from expressing themselves, resulting in higher emotional suffering and decreased mental well-being (Kumar et al., 2015). Furthermore, resolving this issue is critical for creating healthy online environments in which people feel comfortable and empowered to communicate their authentic self without fear of being judged. This chapter employs psychological research to investigate crucial aspects of social media fear of judgement, such as its psychological consequences, the function of social comparison, and how reframing negative beliefs may lead to healthier thinking patterns and emotional well-being.

Focus questions Why do people fear being judged? How is social media associated with fear of judgement? Who is most susceptible to the fear of judgment? What strategies can be used to approach fear of judgment?

What is the fear of judgement?

Figure 3. Individuals can form biases which can lead to FNE and social disengagement

Judgement involves evaluating oneself or others in light of social norms (Carleton et al., 2007). Fear of judgement is the anxiety of being assessed adversely, which can lead to social withdrawal, particularly in people with a high FNE (Leary, 1983). These people may exhibit attentional biases, making them more susceptible to evaluative risks (Asmundson & Murray, 1994). This influences their self-perception and behaviour, particularly in social media contexts. Low self-esteem might exacerbate these biases by enhancing the fear of judgement and increasing sensitivity to rejection or criticism (Dandeneau & Baldwin, 2004). Understanding these processes is essential for studying behaviour in social settings.

Table 1.

Factors Influencing Fear of Judgment

Factor	Example
Fear of Negative Evaluation	Sandra is afraid to share her idea in a team meeting because she is afraid of being judged, so she remains quiet.
Cognitive Biases	Leon could not come to dinner on the weekend with Max. Max avoided him as a result because he believed Leon did not like him anymore.
Social Evaluation	Michael is worried that his new colleagues won't invite him to team activities because of the clothes he wears to work.
Social Comparison	Mary loves the photo she took of the ocean but will not post it on her Instagram because she does not believe it is to the standard that everyone posts.

Note. Adapted from Festinger (1954); Watson and Friend (1969); Dandeneau and Baldwin (2004) and Dempsey et al. (2019)

Social evaluation

Numerous studies in psychology has shown social evaluation as a major contributor to fear of judgement, impacting self-esteem and interactions (Dempsey et al., 2019). The Imposter Phenomenon (IP), is a psychological pattern in which people disdain their accomplishments and attribute them to outside circumstances, limiting their potential (Clance & Imes, 1978). In a study conducted by Clance and Imes (1978), 150 successful women from various professions acknowledged a lack of internal achievement, feeling intimidated by high achievers and labelling themselves as "imposters." These women expressed imagining that others would regard them as weak or worthless, thus they frequently attributed their achievement to happenstance rather than ability. This demonstrates how fear of unfavourable judgement has a tremendous impact on self-perception and can lead to chronic emotions of worry and self doubt. However, the study's focus on a small demographic raises important questions about the findings' generalizability across different socioeconomic backgrounds and genders, emphasising the need for additional research that includes a broader range of experiences and perspectives in understanding intellectual property.

Figure 4. People may misrepresent their self-image in response to perceived judgements from others.

Cognitive biases

Cognitive biases are systematic deviations from logical cognition that frequently lead to inaccurate conclusions (Korteling and Toet, 2020). Individuals with poor self-esteem process information in ways that emphasise their lack of control over events, which has a substantial impact on how they view and portray themselves socially (see Figure 4) (Dandeneau and Baldwin, 2004). According to Sociometer Theory, self-esteem indicates social acceptance or rejection (Leary, 1995). Those who have experienced genuine or perceived rejection often have reduced self-esteem, making them more prone to see others as judgmental (Dandeneau and Baldwin, 2004).

Reitz et al. (2022) investigated the self-esteem and peer-perceived popularity of 1,057 13-year-olds from both immigrant and host countries. Their findings revealed that in-group popularity predicted self-esteem substantially, as mediated by self-perceived popularity, but out-group popularity had no influence. This lends credence to Sociometer Theory, which emphasises the role of social acceptance from one's community in creating self-esteem. The study also discovered that self-esteem affected self-perceived popularity but not peer-perceived popularity, indicating people with poor self-esteem may exaggerate emotions of rejection and perceived judgement, in line with Dandeneau and Baldwin's (2004) findings. These findings provide light on the complicated link between self-esteem, social acceptability, and fear of judgement, demonstrating how people's perceptions of social settings affect their emotional well-being and relationships.

Social comparison theory

Schachter (1959) built on Festinger's (1954) social comparison theory emphasising its emotional component, notably fear. He contended that upward comparisons to people viewed as better off can lead to feelings of inadequacy and fear of adverse judgement, whilst downward comparisons may provide short relief or superiority but can lead to complacency. Buunk et al. (1990) evaluated 55 cancer patients and discovered that upward comparisons increased stress, confirming Schachter's theory. Downward comparisons increased self-esteem temporarily but had no long-term benefit. A more recent study on adolescent females using Facebook found that upward comparisons with classmates and celebrities resulted in body dissatisfaction and fear of negative evaluation (FNE), which mirrored Buunk et al.'s findings (Scully et al. 2023). Downward comparisons improved self-esteem temporarily but provided no long-term impact. These findings emphasise the harmful mental health implications of social comparison, particularly in social media environments where idealised lifestyles are viewed on a regular basis.

Now that we've learned about the fear of judgment, let's hypothesize how social media comes into play! What do you believe is an influencing factor in the undermining of posting on social media? Fear of FNE Desire for social approval and validaiton Low self-esteem and cognitive bias All of the above

Why do people fear posting on social media?

Figure 5. fMRI machines can be used to examine the brain regions associated with regulating our ideal selves to our actual selves.

So far, this chapter has examined the fundamental notions of fear of judgement and how these psychological mechanisms influence individual behaviour. Given that fear of judgement presents itself in a variety of social circumstances, how can psychological science obtain a thorough grasp of its consequences on posting behaviour? Rather than offering a single explanation, researchers have found several elements underlying the widespread fear.

Social media and brain activity

The neurological impacts of social media use are critical for understanding its rising relation to negative mental health outcomes. Individuals actively create their online identities to appear socially desirable, which increases their fear of judgement, according to Impression Management Theory (Goffman, 2004). Tailoring posts to accommodate social norms increases self-consciousness and fear of negative feedback, leading users to avoid sharing anything that may provoke criticism. This self-monitoring corresponds to brain activity in areas associated with social awareness. Farrow et al. (2015) discovered that efforts to regulate impressions stimulate themedial prefrontal cortex and left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which are involved in self-monitoring and social appraisal. Similarly, Shi et al. (2016) demonstrated that differences between one's real and ideal selves activate brain areas related to emotional regulation and self-awareness; aligning with the concept of emotional discomfort in the Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins, 1987). These findings imply that maintaining an idealised online image requires substantial cognitive effort, heightening concern over social judgement. The overlap in brain networks that manage self-discrepancy and social impressions might explain why the difference between online and offline personalities frequently causes anxiety, emphasising the emotional cost of presenting a faultless image online. Understanding this link is critical for treating the mental health issues connected with social media use.

Anticipated regret

Anticipated regret the concern over future negative outcomes, is a key factor in social media use (Brewer et al., 2017). The growth of cancel culture has heightened this worry, as users are concerned about the consequences of straying from social norms (Wang et al., 2011). People who anticipate regret may avoid posting or communicating on social media for fear of being publicly shamed (NeuroLaunch, 2024). Wang et al. (2011) investigated post-regret (fear of posting) among 569 American Facebook users and discovered that variables such as the desire to be viewed positively, failure to evaluate the implications, and misunderstanding social norms all contributed to regret after posting. Velasco (2020) investigated how cancel culture exacerbates these worries by creating a "virtual collective consciousness," in which similar beliefs across online groups heighten the fear of judgement. People with poor self-esteem are more likely to interpret social media negatively, as explained by cognitive biases (Korteling and Toet, 2020). To minimise potential regret, many users utilise self-regulation tactics such as restricting their audience or avoiding sensitive content. This demonstrates how the fear of judgement and social repercussions encourages cautious online behaviour, perpetuating a cycle of worry and self-doubt.

Social online self-regulation theory

The Social Online Self-Regulation Theory (SOS-T) posits how people use social media to pursue personal objectives while moderating their online behaviour to avoid negative consequences (Ozimek & Forester, 2021). This hypothesis is consistent with Self-Discrepancy theory, which states that users engage in self-regulation activities like self-presentation and social comparisons to align their online behaviour with their desired self-image and social acceptance. Our understanding of comparison theory implies that they elicit complicated emotional responses, particularly when individuals evaluate themselves against perceived social standards.

Individuals prone to social comparison, particularly those with poor self-esteem, may be more vulnerable to these unpleasant emotions, forcing them to carefully cultivate their online profiles. Someone with poor self-esteem, for example, may meticulously edit their posts to project a socially acceptable image out of fear of being judged. The above research can argue that these people experience enhanced prefrontal brain activity, indicating a higher sensitivity to social assessments. The SOS-T model highlights how emotional regulation strategies, such as limiting exposure to triggering information, are employed to ease anxiety caused by social comparisons and fear of judgement, emphasising the cognitive effort required to manage online identities (Farrow et al., 2015; Shi et al., 2016).

Fear of missing out

Figure 7. FOMO can impact the decisions people make on social media due to concerns others are experiencing better opportunities

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is the anxiety caused by feeling that others are having better experiences, prompting people to seek social connection through digital platforms. This concept has a considerable influence on social media behaviour, notably the inhibition to post due to fear of judgement. According to Roberts and David (2019), despite improved connection, social isolation has increased, with many individuals lacking close confidants. FoMO increases social media participation since people want affirmation and connection, according to the Belongingness Hypothesis (Maslow, 2015). However, the desire to connect might cause concern over social approval. When consumers see idealised images of other people's life, they may feel inadequate, fearing that their own experiences may not measure up. Individuals second-guess their posts because they are afraid of receiving bad feedback or being ridiculed (see figure 7). As a result, people with high FoMO may choose to lurk rather than participate, reducing their online participation. Furthermore, the Information Foraging Theory proposes that users filter through social media for signs that affirm their identity, similar to cognitive biases (Pirolli and Card, 1999). The abundance of possibilities to interact can worsen FoMO, making users hyper-aware of how their information will be interpreted. As a result, while FoMO can motivate social media use, it also promotes a fear of judgement, causing unwillingness to share and eventually contributing to feelings of social isolation.

Mini case study Jimmy scrolls through Instagram and finds his friends enjoying a concert he was not invited to. He feels envious and anxious, concerned that he is missing out on fun experiences. This continual comparison to others makes him unwilling to share about his own activities, worried they will fall short.

What psychological phenomena does Jimmy experience as a result of his social media use? FOMO Impression management Anticipated regret Cognitive dissonance

Who is most susceptible to fear of judgment on social media?

Individual variations and many psychological aspects impact fear of judgement on social media (Qahri-Saremi & Turel, 2020). Notably, the interplay between social validation and personal expectations influences online behaviour, demonstrating that not everyone interprets social feedback in the same way (Steers et al., 2014).

Social validation

One factor affecting social media behaviour is the feedback loop theory which states that individuals' behaviours are impacted by the reactions they receive from their surroundings (Kampmann, 2012). This dynamic tandem is especially visible in the field of social validation, where others' approval has a considerable influence on online behaviour. The demand for social acceptability can set up a feedback loop in which positive responses drive further involvement and negative feedback discourages future participation. Qahri-Saremi and Turel (2020) conducted five studies to investigate how social validation influences user behaviour on social media. They altered the display of "like" numbers to determine their influence on participants' behaviour. Interestingly, even when "like" counts were suppressed to prevent social comparison, individuals still felt negative impacts from internal comparisons. Users frequently compared their actual social validation to their expectations; getting less likes resulted in technology-mediated hazardous behaviours, such as unsafe self-disclosure (Qahri-Saremi and Turel (2020). These findings show that the feedback loop uses both external and internal validation, implying that interventions to reduce harmful social media behaviours should address both external cues and internal expectations.

Figure 8. Although they may have great opportunities in front of them, some individuals still have a comparative mindset.

Grass is always greener

The highlight reel effect theory argues that people frequently portray an idealised image of themselves online, leading to social idealisation and unfavourable comparisons (Stanisci, 2022). This behaviour is especially visible on platforms where users constantly participate in social comparisons, which have an impact on their psychological health. Steers et al. (2014) executed two studies to investigate how Facebook interactions affect users' mental health. Results from Study 1, which included 180 participants, revealed that social comparisons acted as a mediator relationship between Facebook use and depression symptoms, especially in men. Study 2 found that social comparisons, both upward and downward, moderated the association between Facebook use and depressed symptoms in 152 individuals using a 14-day diary design (Steers et al., 2014). These findings highlight the detrimental psychological effects of this comparative mindset, which perpetuates the notion that everything is better somewhere else, even when the reality is frequently more complicated and less perfect (see figure 8).

Optimism vs. pessimism

The consequences of pessimism and optimism on social media use can alter sensitivity to fear of judgement. According to Wu (2022), pessimistic people are more prone to participate in harmful network behaviour, which is influenced by both negative affect and risk perception. Pessimists may be motivated by heightened risk perception, anticipating negative feedback and judgement online, which is consistent with cognitive theories indicating that those with negative biases expect unfavourable outcomes (Beck, 1976). This inclination makes individuals more subject to fear of judgement, since they see ambiguous social media interactions as possible threats.

In contrast, Urun et al. (2022) discovered that optimism in teenagers is connected with better social media usage, with optimists being less prone to addiction and negative emotional reactions. Optimistic people, aided by a positive cognitive bias, are less likely to focus on prospective judgement and more likely to interpret social encounters favourably, minimising fear of judgement. This is consistent with Fredrickson's broaden-and-build hypothesis (2001), which holds that positive emotions help individuals develop resilience and resources, making them less vulnerable to perceived threats.

Strategies for overcoming fear of judgment

Cognitive restructuring

Cognitive restructuring is a psychological strategy used to change dysfunctional cognitive processes which is particularly useful for people who have negative cognitive biases, self evaluations, and social comparisons (Shi et al., 2016). Individuals can improve their cognitive habits and lower their anxiety by moving from negative, experiential thinking to more analytical processing. Wong and Moulds (2012) found that socially anxious people who use an analytical processing (critically assessing situations) mode during anticipatory processing create less negative beliefs than those who use an experiential mode (subjective interpretations). This research lends credence to cognitive restructuring's efficacy, demonstrating its ability to assist individuals in confronting and reframing their concerns, hence fostering more adaptive behaviours in social contexts.

Mindfulness and acceptance

figure 9. Mindfulness techniques can be useful for fear of judgment and social media.

Mindfulness and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is useful for overcoming the anxiety of being judged when posting on social media. ACT emphasises accepting ideas and feelings rather than striving to control or avoid them, hence fostering psychological flexibility. Uğur and Koç (2021) discovered that participants in an ACT-based psychoeducation program demonstrated a substantial reduction in FNE over time. This suggests that mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and breath work, can help individuals address and defuse unpleasant thoughts connected with social interactions (see figure 9). Individuals who practice mindfulness can learn to embrace their concerns, which reduces the effect of judgement and allows them to communicate more freely and truthfully online.

Building supportive networks

Building supportive networks can help overcome FNE when posting on social media. Cho et al. (2023) found that perceived social support from social media usage improves coping mechanisms, resulting in less negative emotional reactions such as anxiety and loneliness. Individuals who participate in supportive communities might receive encouragement and affirmation, reducing the fear of being judged for expressing personal thoughts and experiences. However, the study emphasises the necessity of avoiding social liability, implying that developing real connections based on empathy is critical for providing effective help while managing FNE online.

Conclusion

Fear of judgment considerably reduces individuals' willingness to connect with social media. Users are continually comparing themselves to curated online identities, which is rooted in social anxiety. This continual comparison causes avoidance behaviours, less self-expression, and reluctance to join in digital groups, all of which have an influence on mental health and personal growth (Leary & Kowalski, 1995). A key takeaway is that judgement frequently distorts our view of self-worth. Individuals can overcome their fear by understanding the psychological factors that drive it, such as anticipated regret, cognitive biases and FOMO (Vogel et al., 2014). Cultivating self-compassion helps to reframe thinking, allowing for healthier responses to criticism. Engaging with supportive groups promotes belonging and honest self-expression, hence lessening the impact of external judgement (Weeks et al., 2005). Embracing a growth attitude changes how people see their online presence. Individuals may overcome comparison and enjoy their distinctive voices by recognising that mistakes and negative comments are learning opportunities rather than reflections of worth. This transformation strengthens personal resilience and leads to a more diverse online environment in which authenticity thrives.

Furthermore, overcoming the fear of judgement on social media is about enabling people to recover their agency in the digital world. The process of overcoming these fears provides access to authentic connections, creativity, and personal fulfilment. Individuals who actively seek to alleviate this anxiety contribute to a healthier online environment that values authenticity over conformity, which benefits both themselves and the larger community.

See also

• Body image and emotional well-being (Book chapter, 2019)
• Digital use and mental health (Wikipedia)
• Fear of missing out (Wikipedia)
• Fear of negative evaluation (Wikipedia)
• Fitspiration and body image
• Social comparison and emotion (Book chapter, 2021)
• Social comparison, social media, and emotion (Book chapter, 2019)

References

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Dempsey, A. E., O’Brien, K. D., Tiamiyu, M. F., & Elhai, J. D. (2019). Fear of missing out (FoMO) and rumination mediate relations between social anxiety and problematic Facebook use. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 9, 100150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2018.100150

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Scully, M., Swords, L., & Nixon, E. (2020). Social comparisons on social media: Online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2020.93

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Winstone, L., Mars, B., Haworth, C. M. A., & Kidger, J. (2023). Types of social media use and digital stress in early adolescence. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 43(3), 027243162211055. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316221105560

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External links

• Judgment. Don't let it frighten you (TED Talk, 2015)
• Social media isn't real (even if it looks like it is) (TED Talk, 2019)
• Confronting the fear of being judged: a step by step approach (ADD Resource Center, 2024)