The Proximity Effect is the second album by the alternative rock band Nada Surf.

Finding no radio-friendly single on the album, Elektra asked the band to write a hit, had them record covers of other artists, and tried to push "Why Are You So Mean To Me?"

Elektra dropped the band, initially setting a high purchase price for the rights to the album.

[8] The band eventually released the album in the United States via their own label, MarDev, in 2000.

[6] AllMusic concluded that "while there are times where The Proximity Effect tries to break out of the limiting corner of the alt-rock universe it's staked for itself (like the power pop rave-up 'Why Are You So Mean to Me?