Notes on Autopilot, Self-Consciousness, and Public vs Private Self-Consciousness

Central idea: We often operate on autopilot, making us susceptible to media messages designed for low scrutiny. This divided attention can lead to heightened self-consciousness.
Problem with auto-piloting through media: You don't fully interrogate what you see; messages are fast and efficient, leading to divided attention and self-consciousness.
Overarching claim: Autopilot enables advertisers and media to influence beliefs and behaviors more effectively.

Definition: Being aware of yourself in a given situation, noticing how you come across.
Consequences: Triggers self-critique and negative thoughts, leading to self-regulation (attempting to change behavior).
Internal dialogues: Often expressed through self-critical thoughts (e.g., "I gotta start eating better").
Question of standards: Self-judgment can be based on personal standards or those influenced by others.
Typical emotional valence: The process is often unpleasant due to negative self-evaluation.

Public self-consciousness: Awareness of how others perceive you (appearance, social presentation).
Private self-consciousness: Awareness of internal states and personal goals (e.g., "Am I reaching my goals?").
Relative emphasis: The speaker questions whether self-consciousness is more public or private.

Connections: Links to attention economics (media exploits autopilot), self-regulation, and social psychology of judgment.
Ethical and practical implications:
- Media literacy: Awareness empowers critical thinking.
- Psychological well-being: Excessive public self-consciousness can contribute to stress/anxiety.
- Personal development: Distinguishing public/private concerns aids healthier goal setting and self-criticism management.
Practical scenarios:
- If conforming to media, pause and ask: "What evidence supports this? Is this aimed at my education level?"
- For appearance concerns (public), reframe by focusing on internal goals (private) like health.
Key questions for reflection:
- How self-conscious are you (public vs. private)?
- Whose standards are you using to judge yourself?
- How might autonomous thinking reduce autopilot susceptibility?

Autopilot: Mental state of minimal conscious thought.
Self-consciousness: Awareness of self, leading to self-evaluation/regulation.
Public self-consciousness: Awareness of how others perceive you.
Private self-consciousness: Awareness of internal states, goals, and well-being.
Self-regulation: Efforts to modify thoughts/behaviors to align with standards/goals.