To be (seen) or not to be (seen)

Regardless of whether you have a big social media platform or not, I am sure you have felt the feeling of self-doubt when wanting to share a post that comes from the heart. It might seem counterintuitive; we have all these tools to self-express, yet some, more than others, are blocked by the fear of being seen or perceived

At its core, the fear of being seen can be traced back to our evolutionary past and the survival mechanisms that shaped human behavior. In ancestral environments, being highly visible or standing out from the group could have made individuals vulnerable to predators or rival groups. Thus, there might have been a selective advantage for individuals who were more cautious about attracting attention and preferred to blend into the background for safety.

In social contexts, being observed and scrutinized by others may have carried risks of social exclusion, having detrimental effects on an individual's survival and reproductive success. In small hunter-gatherer communities social bonds and cooperation were essential for survival unlike in the modern age, where you can basically work remotely, and order everything you desire to your doorstep. Being seen in a negative light back then could have led to social rejection and diminished access to resources and mates.

Exostracism, or the practice of ostracizing individuals from the community, serves as a stark example of how the fear of being seen could manifest in ancient societies, shaping social dynamics and reinforcing cultural norms.

In ancient Greece, exostracism was a formalized process whereby citizens could vote to banish a fellow member of the community for ten years. While the specific reasons for exostracism varied, individuals who were perceived as threats to the stability or cohesion of the city-state were often targeted.

From a psychological standpoint, the fear of being seen may also be linked to underlying feelings of vulnerability, insecurity, or inadequacy. Humans are social beings wired to seek acceptance and approval from others, and the fear of being seen may stem from a fear of judgment, rejection, or criticism. This fear can be amplified by past traumatic experiences.

Nowadays with the constant exposure to social media, the fear of being seen may be exacerbated by feelings of inadequacy or comparison with unattainable beauty standards, or success. The pressure to curate a perfect image online can lead to choosing not to express oneself at all.

Realizing that this fear comes from an evolutionary standpoint is important but nowadays that fear does not really have a basis. The benefits of self-expressing online are far greater than hiding behind a screen and being just a content consumer. Self-expression plays a vital role in self-discovery and development through creative release. By exploring their interests, values, and beliefs through creative expression, individuals can come closer to their own identity, fostering personal growth and fulfillment. Through that process, one can find their own community with people from all over the world through the power of the internet. Ultimately, that is what we all are craving for: to be seen and to be understood.