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

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Fear of judgment and social media:
How does the fear of being judged undermine posting on social media and how can this be overcome?
Replace the link in the box above once the multimedia presentation has been published.

Overview

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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.

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

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.

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 uses psychological science to understand how individuals can reframe their negative perceptions - including... and develop healthier thought patterns through...

INCLUDE HERE SOMETHING LIKE "FIRST WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT FEAR OF JUDGMENT IS BEFORE WE DELVE INTO SOCIAL MEDIA"

The Overview is typically consists of one to four paragraphs inbetween the scenario and focus questions. Suggested word count aim for the Overview: 180 to 330 words.

Focus questions

  Use bullet points per Tutorial 2

- Why do people fear being judged?

- Why is social media associated with fear of judgement?

- What psychological factors contribute to this fear?

- What strategies can be used for overcoming this fear?

Understanding the fear of judgement

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

From a psychological perspective, judgement entails assessing oneself or others, which is frequently impacted by societal norms and expectations (Carleton et al., 2007). Fear of judgement is the concern one feels about being judged unfavorably or hostilely by others. Individuals with high FNE may avoid settings in which they may be evaluated, resulting in social disengagement (See figure 3; Leary, 1983). They may also display attentional biases, making them more sensitive to evaluative dangers in their surroundings (Asmundson and Murray, 1994). Understanding these psychological dynamics is critical because they influence behaviours and emotional responses in a variety of situations, including social media.

The fear of being judged also influences how people view themselves and others in social situations. This fundamental insight opens the door to investigating cognitive biases, particularly among people with poor self-esteem (Leary, 1983). Such biases can affect their perceptions of control and impact how they react to social situations (see table 1).

Furthermore, the dynamics of self-esteem in connection to social acceptance and rejection are critical in this setting. Individuals who feel rejected or criticised are more likely to have low self-esteem, which reinforces their fear of being evaluated (Dandeneau and Baldwin, 2004). Understanding these links can shed light on how cognitive processes influence behaviour and emotional reactions in a variety of social contexts, notably on social media.


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

Much research in psychology deems social evaluation as an important contributor to fear of judgement. It is people's evaluation of themselves in social contexts which effects their self-esteem and interactions with others (Dempsey et al., 2019). According to The Imposter Phenomenon (IP), individuals can experience a psychological pattern where they doubt their achievements and attribute them to external factors, preventing them from reaching their highest potential (Clance and Imes 1978).

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

In an established study by Clance and Imes (1978), 150 accomplished women from various professions showed their lack of internal sense of achievement through psychotherapy and theme-centered groups. These women were intimidated in the face of other high achievers, describing themselves as "imposters" who did not belong among "competent" people. They feared that other participants thought they were not good enough to be in the experiment. This phenomenon demonstrates the powerful influence of social evaluation on self-perception, since these women frequently ascribed their accomplishments to external variables such as chance or the ability to attract people, rather than their own abilities or intellect. It illustrates how the fear of negative evaluation could destruct their ability to internalize success. Although, since the study focused on a small demographic, the generalizability of the findings is in question as it does not account for varying socioeconomic backgrounds and all genders.

Cognitive biases

Cognitive biases are consistent anomalies from logical thought that frequently result in incorrect understandings and conclusions (Korteling and Toet, 2020). Individuals with poor self-esteem evaluate information in a way that emphasises their lack of control over events (Dandeneau and Baldwin, 2004). This inclination has a big impact on how individuals view and present themselves in social situations (see figure 4). According to Sociometer Theory, self-esteem serves as a signal of one's social acceptance or rejection (Leary, 1995). People who suffer genuine or perceived rejection frequently have lower self-esteem than those who feel accepted, which predisposes them to regard others as judgmental of them (Dandeneau and Baldwin, 2004).

Reitz et al. (2022) examined 1,057 13-year-olds to investigate Sociometer Theory in several classes, with an emphasis on self-esteem and peer-perceived popularity among immigrant and host-national teenagers. Their findings demonstrated that in-group popularity strongly predicted self-esteem, mediated by self-perceived popularity, but out-group popularity had no effect on self-esteem. This supports Sociometer Theory, which emphasises the significance of social approval from one's own group in creating self-esteem. Furthermore, the study found that self-esteem influenced self-perceived popularity but not peer-perceived popularity, emphasising how people with low self-esteem may exaggerate feelings of rejection and perceived judgement, which aligns with Dandeneau and Baldwin's (2004) research on cognitive biases. These findings provide light on the complex link between self-esteem, social acceptability, and fear of judgement, suggesting that individuals' perceptions of social situations have a substantial impact on their emotional well-being and relationships.

Social Comparison Theory

Schachter (1959) built upon Festinger's (1954) introduction to social comparison theory by claiming that social comparison entails emotional processes by nature, most notably fear. This affective component emphasises how the direction of comparison affects an individual's assessment of themself. When people make upward comparisons to people who seem to be better situated, they may feel inadequate and dread unfavourable feedback. Downward comparisons to people they perceive to be less fortunate might elicit sentiments of relief or superiority, but they can also lead to complacency (Buunk et al., 1990).

Buunk et al. (1990) examined this concept in a study of 55 cancer patients, exploring how social comparison processes influence emotional well-being. Their findings revealed that patients who made upward comparisons had increased stress and lower contentment with their own situation. This supports Schachter's (1959) claim that upward comparisons might exacerbate fears of judgement and inadequacy. Those who participated in downward comparisons, on the other hand, experienced a momentary gain in self-esteem, however this impact was not sustained.

These findings can be found in a more recent study focusing on social media. Scully et al. (2023) analysed social comparisons on social media among 210 adolescent girls using Facebook. Body dissatisfaction was largely attributed to the time spent on social media and upward comparisons with celebrities, friends, peers, and family members, emphasising feelings of inferiority and FNE. Similarly to Buunk et al. (1990), downward comparisons, while offered temporary boosts in self-esteem, was not long-term. These results highlight how social comparison processes have a widespread effect on mental health, especially when it comes to social media. Users may compare themselves favourably to others since they are exposed to idealised pictures and lifestyles on a regular basis, which can have negative consequences on their body image and self-esteem.

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?

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* MAKE SURE TO START OFF WITH "so far we have learned..."

* the role of comparison and validation

* FOMO and posting on social media

* THEORIES!!

* provide an introductory paragraph before breaking into sub-sections

What psychological factors contribute to this fear?

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  • anxiety and avoidance behaviors
  • good recourse: Piko, B. F., Krajczár, S. K., & Kiss, H. (2024). Social Media Addiction, Personality Factors and Fear of Negative Evaluation in a Sample of Young Adults. ''Youth'', ''4''(1), 357-368.
  • another good recourse: Problematic internet and social network site use in young adults: The role of emotional intelligence and fear of negative evaluation
  • something i have written to add in somewhere: Interestingly, increased low self esteem has been associated with increased social media use which is attributed to to individual's emotional intelligence (Naidu et al., 2023).
  • emotional consequences of fear
  • impacts on self-esteem and identity
  • provide an introductory paragraph before breaking into sub-sections

Strategies for overcoming fear of judgment

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  • practical techniques to manage fear
  • encouraging healthy social media habits
  • building resilience and self-compassion
  • provide an introductory paragraph before breaking into sub-sections

Conclusion

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Respond to the Sub-Title Question: According to psychological studies, fear of judgement on social media arises from cognitive biases, social appraisal, and self-esteem dynamics.

Answers to Focus Questions:

Fear of Being Judged: Motivated by social assessment worries, low self-esteem, and an increased sensitivity to criticism.

The Social Media Association: amplifies social comparison, heightening fear of poor appraisal.

Psychological factors: FNE, cognitive biases, and self-esteem dynamics.

Overcoming Strategies: reframing negative thinking, encouraging self-acceptance, and establishing supportive interactions.

Practical Take-Home Messages:

- Understanding the fear of judgement may improve social media relationships and mental health.

- Awareness of cognitive biases is essential for lowering emotions of inadequacy.

- Self-compassion and true self-expression can help to reduce the consequences of societal comparison.

- Supportive online networks promote belonging and alleviate anxiety.


  • The Conclusion is arguably the most important section
  • Suggested word count: 150 to 330 words
  • It should be possible for someone to only read the Overview and the Conclusion and still get a pretty good idea of the problem and what is known based on psychological science

  Suggestions for this section:

  • What is the answer to the sub-title question based on psychological theory and research?
  • What are the answers to the focus questions?
  • What are the practical, take-home messages? (Even for the topic development, have a go at the likely take-home message)

See also

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References

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Asmundson, G. J. G., & Stein, M. B. (1994). Selective processing of social threat in patients with generalized social phobia: Evaluation using a dot-probe paradigm. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 8(2), 107–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/0887-6185(94)90009-4

Australia, H. (2019, February 25). Mental health and wellbeing. Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing

Buunk, B. P., Collins, R. L., Taylor, S. E., VanYperen, N. W., & Dakof, G. A. (1990). The affective consequences of social comparison: Either direction has its ups and downs. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(6), 1238–1249. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.59.6.1238

Cambridge Dictionary. (2024, July 31). Photoshop. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/photoshop

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006

Clance, P. R., & O’Toole, M. A. (1987). The Imposter Phenomenon. Women & Therapy, 6(3), 51–64. https://doi.org/10.1300/j015v06n03_05

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

Fear of negative evaluation. (2021, April 30). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_negative_evaluation

Ganesh Kumar, J., Athilakshmi, R., Maharishi, R., & Maya, R. (2015). Relationship between fear of negative evaluation and anxiety. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.25215/0301.101

Gill, R. (2021). Being watched and feeling judged on social media. Feminist Media Studies, 21(8), 1387–1392. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2021.1996427

Haikal, M., & Hong, R. Y. (2010). The effects of social evaluation and looming threat on self-attentional biases and social anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24(3), 345–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.01.007

Health Direct. (2019). Self-esteem and mental health. Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/self-esteem

Kelly, L., Keaten, J. A., & Millette, D. (2020). Seeking safer spaces: The mitigating impact of young adults’ Facebook and Instagram audience expectations and posting type on fear of negative evaluation. Computers in Human Behavior, 106, 106333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106333

Korteling, J. E., & Toet, A. (2020). Cognitive biases. Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology, 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-809324-5.24105-9

Piko, B. F., Krajczár, S. K., & Kiss, H. (2024). Social media addiction, personality factors and fear of negative evaluation in a sample of young adults. Youth, 4(1), 357–368. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4010025

Screen time. (2022). eSafety Commissioner. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/screen-time

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

TEDx Talks. (2019). Social media isn’t real (even if it looks like it is) [YouTube Video]. TEDxYouth@SRDS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJQGHiBqBcA

Watson, D., & Friend, R. (1969). Measurement of social-evaluative anxiety. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 33(4), 448–457. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0027806

Winstone, L., Mars, B., Haworth, C. M. A., & Kidger, J. (2022). 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

  Suggestions for this section:

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