This chapter explores the relevance of shame in today's society, discussing its relation to psychiatric disorders, mental illness, and social subordination. It examines how shame is influenced by factors like social media and self-presentation, and its manifestation in conditions such as social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The chapter also highlights the difference between healthy and unhealthy forms of shaming, emphasizing the importance of reintegrating individuals after the shaming process.
Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation caused by bad or foolish behaviour and can affect our mental health. This is seen particularly in the rise of anxiety and of self-harm. But public shame - especially in our digital age - can be a strong tool to regulate our social behaviour.