The discomfort then becomes so severe that it causes limitations to daily life. But for some, the anxiety becomes so powerful that it develops into a phobia. When looked at from this perspective, social anxiety is functional. For our ancestors, belonging to the group was something that increased their chances of survival, as it still is for us today,' says Erik Hedman. This stems from a fear that we will somehow do something to exclude us from the group. In principle, everyone has felt a fear of being scrutinised by others or of making an appearance in front of a group.
'Social anxiety is one of our most widespread anxieties.
It probably has an evolutionary explanation. It is a sensation that stems from a fear of being judged (and in the worst case condemned) by other people. According to psychologist Erik Hedman, a researcher at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, there is nothing remarkable or pathological about this at all. A more clinical term for it is social anxiety. This sensation is commonly known as shyness. The majority of people may feel uncomfortable or anxious in certain social situations. First published in Medicinsk Vetenskap 4/2013
