Overview
- Coverage over the weekend, including articles published Sunday, July 19, consolidated expert views that stepping out of group photos is usually a way to protect emotional well‑being rather than a sign of antisocial character.
- Psychologist Oscar Castillero Mimenza told reporters that many people skip photos because they believe they “do not look good,” a belief tied to high self‑expectations and perfectionism.
- Experts and cited studies note a paradoxical finding reported in prior research that people with higher self‑esteem can sometimes judge their appearance in photos more harshly, though the recent articles summarize existing work rather than report new studies.
- Psychologist Paloma Rey and others say the behavior often reflects sensitivity to social evaluation and a reliance on external approval that makes being observed feel threatening.
- Clinicians warn the causes are varied—from childhood comments and comparisons to a simple dislike of public exposure—and say the common social reaction of labeling people as rude or aloof can worsen the emotional impact.