Final answer:
The belief that everyone is watching their behavior and appearance is called the looking-glass self. This concept suggests that people develop their self-image based on how they think others perceive them. This self-awareness evolves from interpreting the reactions of others as a sort of mirror reflecting ourselves back to us. Sociologist Erving Goffman expanded on this with his theory of dramaturgy, proposing that in social interactions we are like actors on a stage engaging in impression management to present ourselves in a certain way to others, adjusting our performance based on the social context and the audience present.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that everyone is watching their behavior and appearance is called the looking-glass self. This concept, proposed by Charles Cooley, suggests that individuals base their image on what they think others see and react to this speculation. People imagine how they appear to others, draw conclusions based on their reactions, and develop their personal sense of self. For example, if someone reacts positively to a person's behavior, they are more likely to continue that behavior. The looking-glass self is like a mirror in which individuals are reflected based on others' reactions to them. This belief influences how people present themselves through their clothing, hairstyle, accessories, and overall appearance.