This refers to a phenomenon wherein people tend to believe that they are the centre of attention of others around them. Such belief can cause people to subject themselves to undue social pressure as they think that all their actions are being closely scrutinised. In fact, the spotlight effect is a major reason why people experience unnecessary anxiety when they are in public places. Psychologists thus advise patients suffering from social anxiety to be aware of the spotlight effect. The term was coined by American psychologists Thomas Gilovich and Kenneth Savitsky.