Self-consciousness

Historically, "self-consciousness" was synonymous with "self-awareness", referring to a state of awareness that one exists and that one has consciousness.

[5] Self-consciousness is often associated with shyness and embarrassment, in which case a lack of pride and low self-esteem can result.

[6] Psychologists frequently distinguish between two kinds of self-consciousness, private and public.

Both private and public self-consciousness are viewed as personality traits that are relatively stable over time, but they are not correlated.

Being in a crowd, being in a dark room, or wearing a disguise creates anonymity and temporarily decreases self-consciousness (see deindividuation).