The idea that social media is creating a culture of shame was discussed by Dr Erin Pritchard on BBC Radio 4’s programme The Digital Human.
Speaking to Aleks Krotoski, the Lecturer in Disability and Education Studies shared her own experience and research into the experiences of people with dwarfism being photographed in public spaces.
Dr Pritchard explained how such experiences lead to feelings of shame, as people make you feel like you have done something wrong even when it is out of your control.
She said: “I can’t help the way I look, but when someone points out I’m different and that I look different, it’s shameful because I’m not fitting in with society.
“You try to minimise any opportunities for this to happen again, it’s controlling behaviour. I wont go out on a busy day, because it means there is less chance of being photographed and you don’t want that feeling of shame again.”