One of the most important aspects of human life is communication. We need to communicate with each other to share our thoughts, feelings, opinions, desires, and needs.
Sometimes people hide their true selves behind a "social mask" when interacting with others. This practice can have negative effects on both the individual and society.
The psychological effect of social masking includes the suppression of emotions and beliefs that are considered unacceptable in certain situations. When people feel they cannot express themselves honestly, they may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and stomach aches. They also risk losing touch with what makes them unique and genuine.
An employee who feels pressured to act happy and enthusiastic at work may become so good at faking it that they lose touch with their authentic self.
This can lead to burnout or even mental health problems.
Social masking can also affect ethical behavior. People may engage in activities they would normally avoid if they felt free to be themselves.
Someone might participate in a bribery scheme because they feel forced into it by a supervisor's demands for conformity. In addition, people may find themselves compromising their morals to fit in with a particular group or organization, leading to corruption and abuse of power.
Social masking has social consequences. When people wear a mask, they prevent others from getting to know the real person underneath, which can create barriers between individuals and groups. It also creates a culture where people are afraid to be open and honest about who they truly are. This prevents creativity, innovation, and collaboration from flourishing, as ideas need to be shared freely without fear of judgment or retribution.
To avoid these negative effects, we must encourage honesty and openness in our relationships and interactions. We should strive to create spaces where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves, even when expressing unpopular opinions or feelings. By doing so, we can build stronger connections and develop deeper understanding and empathy.
What are the psychological, ethical, and social consequences of performing social masks in daily life?
Different psychological studies have shown that social masking can be linked to negative effects on an individual's mental health such as increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These effects arise from the feeling of being forced to hide one's true identity or personal traits in order to fit into certain social norms or expectations.