A growing body of scientific research is sounding the alarm on the mental toll of constant surveillance, warning that being persistently observed—in person or digitally—may be subtly eroding our ability to concentrate and remember. Recent studies reveal that the effects go deeper than mere discomfort, reaching into our unconscious brain and potentially impacting our day-to-day lives, including work, education, and social interaction (NewsNationNow, The Hill, LiveScience).
In a world increasingly equipped with surveillance cameras, digital tracking, data brokers, and online platforms where users are encouraged—or pressured—to display their lives, the sensation of constantly being watched is almost inescapable. For Thais, where CCTV cameras are prolific in Bangkok and major urban areas, digital footprints grow daily, and remote work or online coursework is on the rise, these findings hold powerful relevance. Just as the panopticon prison designed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham coerced prisoners into self-monitoring, our modern panopticon of digital and physical observation exerts its own psychological weight.
One of the latest studies, summarized in recent news coverage, finds that unconscious cognitive processes are measurably altered when individuals are aware that they are being watched. Participants tasked with recognizing faces in experiments performed tasks more quickly under surveillance. However, this improvement came with a cost: scientists note that the brain enters a constant state of fight-or-flight—an evolutionary response intended for brief danger but harmful when chronic (LiveScience). This stress can reduce the mental bandwidth available for concentration and memory.
Historically, surveillance has been rationalized as a means to encourage good behavior. Indeed, psychological studies dating back to the late 1800s have demonstrated that being observed can increase prosocial behavior and make people more compliant with social rules—whether it be reducing littering or cheating. Yet, as more sophisticated research has emerged, the darker side of constant observation is gaining attention. A study referenced by Scientific American showed that participants struggled on working memory tasks when confronted by images of people staring at them, compared to those shown people with averted gazes. Even abstract representations of attention—such as geometric figures pointed towards an observer—can hijack mental resources in ways similar to actual human gaze.
Experts warn that these subtle shifts are not limited to the conscious mind. Our brains unconsciously prioritize processing social signals, like direct gazes, as an evolutionary adaptation for detecting threats or predicting intentions. In laboratory settings, subjects being surveilled have been shown to process faces and social cues more rapidly, but such acceleration may come at the cost of overall cognitive flexibility and performance on complex or sustained tasks (LiveScience). The persistent background stress generated by always feeling watched, even passively, can tax memory, diminish attention spans, and potentially increase anxiety—effects that could accumulate over years.
Mental health professionals point out that for those with conditions like schizophrenia or social anxiety disorder, the impacts can be even more acute. People with such conditions already experience hypersensitivity to being watched; the omnipresence of surveillance in modern society amplifies their distress (The Hill). This is particularly concerning in countries like Thailand, where awareness and support for mental health concerns are still evolving, and social stigma may deter individuals from seeking help.
Meanwhile, the adoption of surveillance tools in workplaces and schools—purportedly to boost productivity or deter cheating—may ironically undermine cognitive function. Researchers warn that digital monitoring technologies in offices or online proctoring for exams could inadvertently suppress the very focus and efficiency they’re designed to improve. The stress of being observed may sap creative thinking, reduce memory retention, and heighten burnout risks (Scientific American).
For Thai businesses, students, and policy-makers, the global trend toward increased surveillance comes with important cultural questions. Thailand’s collectivist values, reputation-centric society, and rapid digital transformation may magnify the pressures of being constantly watched. In educational settings, for example, remote examination tools that require students to stay on camera could unintentionally disadvantage those sensitive to social scrutiny—a concern raised in global research and directly relevant during Thailand’s pivot to online learning during the pandemic.
Historical context is valuable here. In Buddhist philosophy, the idea of “right mindfulness” is central: to be aware without excessive anxiety or self-consciousness. Constant external surveillance, however, promotes a form of hyper-awareness that can become toxic, crowding out the calm, focused states necessary for deep learning and self-reflection. The experience is akin to walking through every day with a teacher or boss perpetually peering over one’s shoulder—a reality that is now digital and inescapable for many Thais.
Looking ahead, experts suggest that society must weigh the benefits of surveillance—such as safety and accountability—against its hidden cognitive costs. Some recommend practical steps: workplaces could limit unnecessary monitoring, focus on results rather than process tracking, and preserve privacy for focused work. Thai schools could consider the balance between security and student well-being, especially during high-stress periods like university entrance exams. Public discourse and policy development should incorporate mental health impacts alongside security and efficiency considerations, a balance that is especially urgent as Thailand seeks to be both “Smart Nation” and a caring society.
For ordinary Thais, self-awareness about how surveillance affects your mental state can be a first step. Students and employees can ask for privacy in work and study spaces, take regular breaks from video calls, and limit unnecessary exposure to social media. Employers and educators can benefit from understanding that a sense of being constantly watched may lower, not improve, performance over time.
As the landscape of surveillance continues to expand both globally and in Thailand, recognizing and mitigating its cognitive costs will become essential for safeguarding mental well-being and ensuring an innovative, focused, and resilient society (LiveScience, Scientific American, NewsNationNow).