My Inquiry question for this semester: Why do people care so much about what others think of them?
Why this is interesting for me: Psychology questions have always made me curious. These past couple of years I have always noticed that everybody cares about what other people think of them. Whether it’s good or bad, I have noticed that all my friends, family, and even myself care about what others think. Is it for validation? Is it because we are insecure? Are we scared people will judge us? I have always seen how much negative or positive comments can affect someone’s mood. When I witness somebody change themselves or do something that is obviously related what others think of them, I constantly think to myself, these people don’t even know you. You have never had a single interaction with them, yet you still care for their opinions about you. Of course this is normal, but I believe it is becoming harmful to care too much. It causes you to become insecure, and detached. The only person who you should really care about is yourself, and only change things if you are uncomfortable with them. For exemple, let’s say this random student gives you a dirty look in the halls. You have never seen this person in your life, yet you suddenly feel shame and vulnerable. There is no reason you should be reacting towards the behaviour of someone you have no relationship with. I feel like it has something to do with insecurity and built up judgement from others, but I am really trying to figure out why people feel this way.
