What does the spotlight effect refer to?

The spotlight effect refers to the tendency for individuals to overestimate the degree to which their behaviors and appearances are noticed and scrutinized by others. This phenomenon arises from a heightened self-awareness, leading people to believe that they are the center of attention in social situations. For example, someone might feel self-conscious about a minor flaw or mistake, believing that everyone around them is acutely aware of it, when in reality, others are largely focused on their own experiences and concerns.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of the spotlight effect. While individual characteristics and group dynamics are important aspects of social psychology, they do not specifically relate to the overestimation of attention one receives from others, which is the core idea behind the spotlight effect.