False Consensus Effect
The false consensus effect is overestimating how many other people share your opinions, preferences and choices.
Full definition of False Consensus Effect →:: COMPARE ::
False consensusvsSpotlight effect
The short answer
Both start from the same egocentric anchor and project outward. False consensus projects your opinions onto other people; the spotlight effect projects your self-attention onto them. One makes you feel typical, the other makes you feel watched.
Side by side
| Aspect | False consensus | Spotlight effect |
|---|---|---|
| Projects | Opinions | Attention |
| Result | 'Everyone agrees' | 'Everyone noticed' |
| Corrected by | Not fully — feedback doesn't erase it | Real data |
| Root | Egocentrism | Egocentrism |
What each one means
Spotlight Effect
The spotlight effect is overestimating how much other people notice — and later remember — your appearance and your behaviour.
Full definition of Spotlight Effect →