We are always being watched. In the world of technology, we are always surrounded by cameras and other recording devices, which always have their eyes and ears trained to watch every individual. Surveillance has become highly pervasive in daily life owing to the integration of modern technology in every aspect of human life. While these frameworks were initially installed with the idea of increased safety and security in mind, a less obvious impact has also started to come to light. Individuals have grown highly conscious of the fact that they are always being watched and recorded, and hence, alter their behaviour.
In modern workplaces, public spaces, and even online work environments, the possibility of being observed and recorded has subtly shaped human behaviour and thoughts. It has allowed human beings to don a mask for the cameras that always surround them and has systematically altered self-perception. Understanding the psychology of self-perception under surveillance reveals how the human mind struggles with identity when perpetually in the spotlight.
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What is Self Perception?
The American Psychological Association Dictionary defines self-perception as “a person’s View of their self or of any of the mental or physical attributes that constitute the self.” Essentially, self-perception is the way in which an individual views themselves as having various attributes and themselves in totality. This view of themselves can be based upon genuine knowledge about oneself, or can also be distorted at the hands of multiple life experiences. The image that is created is the result of multiple forces such as life experiences, interactions with others, behaviours, attitudes, and more, which ultimately affect how individuals think about themselves, their competency and self-worth (Cherry, 2024).
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Is Self-Perception Altered by Surveillance?
When an individual is being constantly observed, it has an impact on both conscious behaviour and unconscious processing. Individuals may become more aware of the various stimuli that surround them and may act on a social desirability bias and appear more pro-social in nature. Research also suggests that being watched impacts not only consciously controlled behaviours, but also unconscious processes such as vision, making us more hypervigilant in nature (Seymour et al., 2024). The significant impacts of surveillance on human behaviour are:
1. Increased Self Awareness
Research suggests that when individuals are aware of the fact that they are being observed or watched, the attention that they pay towards themselves increases (Duval & Wicklund, 1972). This increase in attention towards oneself can be referred to as heightened self-awareness. It can lead to self-evaluation of one’s actions and attitudes against a variety of social norms and internal standards or morals.
2. Conscious Modification of Behaviour
When an individual realises that they are being watched and observed, they often put greater effort towards increasing their performance and behaving more pro-socially in nature. This is commonly observed in experimental studies and is called the ‘Hawthorne Effect’ (Perera, 2024). This behavioural modification observed in experimental studies can also be observed in daily life when being observed. For example, employees in a highly surveilled workplace may put greater effort into productivity and efficiency.
3. Internalised Gaze
A sociological concept given by Charles Cooley, ‘Internalised Gaze’, suggests that one actively shapes an image of oneself based on how other people judge and see them (Nickerson, 2023). Essentially, the interactions one has with others in their surroundings, along with the perceptions of these people, are key factors in shaping an individual’s self-perception. However, when an individual is under constant surveillance, it doesn’t just monitor behaviour, it also systematically shapes the self-concept.
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4. Psychological Stress
Being under continuous observation can be very stressful for an individual. The feeling of constantly being watched can increase anxiety and eventually even raise a level of self-consciousness. People will prioritise socially acceptable behaviours over preferences, putting them under greater levels of psychological stress as a result of constant decision-making.
5. Lack of Autonomy
Another consequence of constant surveillance is the loss of autonomy. Individuals often lose a sense of control over their actions and even their self-perception. They feel compelled to be on their best behaviour for the camera and even align with expectations to avoid negative judgment. Over time, this internalisation will cause individuals to believe that they have lost control over themself.
Coping with Being Watched
In a world where camera, recording and more is a norm for establishing safety and security, one can not evade surveillance. However, one can put efforts into evading the psychological and physiological impacts on self-perception. These efforts will mostly be directed towards maintaining a sense of autonomy, authenticity and overall psychological well-being. Some of the coping mechanisms that can be used are:
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state in which individuals put in efforts towards being active and attentive towards the present and their surroundings. It can help them focus on the moment without having to constantly evaluate themself. Mindfulness will also help individuals escape the heaviness that follows after the feeling of being watched.
2. Observation
Drawing upon cognitive restructuring and reframing, individuals can put in efforts towards opting for a different lens towards surveillance. Instead of viewing it as a threat of constant observation, individuals can use it as an opportunity to grow. They can ask the observers for feedback, which can be used for self-improvement. It can help reduce anxiety and add a positive outlook towards the pressure.
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3. Being Authentic
Being authentic is the only way in which an individual can overcome the conformity pressures of surveillance. An individual can be authentic by engaging in activities where they feel confident in themself and can function despite the fear of being judged. For most individuals, that often takes the form of hobbies, social circles, creative pursuits and more. These activities may also help the individual to reconnect with their emotions and identity.
Conclusion
Living in a world where one is constantly being watched can be very difficult. With its several impacts on self-perception, autonomy, and psychological stress, all kinds of surveillance can exert several pressures on the human mind. However, individuals are not powerless in the face of these cameras that are always around them. With the right efforts and thought process, individuals can take steps to evade the negative impacts of surveillance.
FAQs
1. Are the effects of surveillance the same for everyone?
No, the effects of surveillance are not the same for everyone. Individuals have varied responses to the same stimuli, and the same holds for surveillance as well. Experience, personality, attitudes and even culture can also impact one’s sensitivity to surveillance.
2. What are the different kinds of surveillance?
Surveillance can be of many kinds, ranging from physical surveillance using cameras to digital surveillance mechanisms such as digital footprints and more. The impact of all these forms of surveillance is similar as it places pressure on the individual.
3. Is being watched the same as being judged?
While being watched is not the same as being judged, some individuals can interpret the constant observation as constant judgment as well. While technically it is not the same, the various experiences of individuals can alter their thought processes to make them think that they are being evaluated, which in turn alters self-perception.
References +
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). https://dictionary.apa.org/self-perception
Cherry, K. C. (2024, July 29). What is Self-Concept? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-concept-2795865
Duval, S., & Wicklund, R. A. (1972). A theory of objective self-awareness. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1973-26817-000
Nickerson, C. (2023, September 22). Looking-Glass Self: Theory, Definition & Examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/charles-cooleys-looking-glass-self.html
Perera, A. (2024, February 13). Hawthorne Effect: Definition, how it works, and how to avoid it. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/hawthorne-effect.html
Self-Awareness Theory | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/self-awareness-theory
Seymour, K., McNicoll, J., & Koenig-Robert, R. (2024). Big brother: the effects of surveillance on fundamental aspects of social vision. Neuroscience of Consciousness, 2024(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niae039
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