Navigating the Uncomfortable: Looking at Second-Hand Embarrassment

on Aug 2, 2023 11:00:00 AM

Embarrassment is a universal emotion that we've all experienced at one point or another. But what happens when the sensation isn't our own? We've all been there - that cringe-worthy moment when we witness someone else's awkward mishap, social faux pas, or public blunder, and our cheeks flush with heat as if we're the ones at the centre of attention. Welcome to the intriguing world of "second-hand embarrassment," a phenomenon that entangles us in a web of vicarious discomfort, empathy, and the urge to look away.

From reality television to everyday social situations, second-hand embarrassment is an all-too-familiar aspect of human interaction that has piqued the curiosity of psychologists, sociologists, and neuroscientists alike.

Let’s unravel the complexities of second-hand embarrassment and uncover the subtle threads that bind us together, reminding us that sometimes, our reactions to others' awkward moments say just as much about us as they do about them.

Unraveling the Science Behind Second-Hand Embarrassment

Embarrassment is an inherently human emotion that can arise from our own actions or, intriguingly, from witnessing the missteps of others. This vicarious experience, known as "second-hand embarrassment," taps into the profound nature of human empathy, triggering a cascade of psychological and neurological responses. Exploring the science behind this phenomenon provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of our brains and the profound connections we form with those around us.

Empathy and the Mirror Neuron System:

At the core of second-hand embarrassment lies the powerful force of empathy, a cognitive ability that allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy is driven by a complex neural network, with a key player known as the "mirror neuron system." These specialized neurons fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. As a result, when we witness someone experiencing embarrassment, our mirror neurons simulate the same neural patterns, enabling us to "mirror" the emotions of the other person and consequently experience second-hand embarrassment.

Neurological Basis of Second-Hand Embarrassment:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have offered insights into the brain regions involved in processing second-hand embarrassment. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the insula, regions linked to emotional processing and self-awareness, are particularly active during these moments. The ACC plays a role in detecting social norms and evaluating our behavior, while the insula is associated with self-awareness and emotional experiences. When witnessing an embarrassing event, these brain regions light up as we internally compare the observed situation to our own behavioral repertoire, leading to feelings of discomfort and embarrassment.

Hormonal Responses:

Second-hand embarrassment isn't just a mental experience; it's accompanied by physiological changes in the body. Witnessing someone else's awkward or embarrassing situation can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormonal changes are part of the "fight-or-flight" response and prepare our bodies to respond to perceived threats, albeit in a social context. The increase in stress hormones contributes to the physical sensations of tension and discomfort we experience during second-hand embarrassment.

The Social Bonding Effect:

While second-hand embarrassment can be awkward and uncomfortable, it serves an essential purpose in social bonding. Experiencing these emotions connects us with others, fostering a sense of shared humanity. The ability to empathize with someone's embarrassment reflects our understanding of social norms and reinforces our communal understanding of acceptable behavior. Additionally, offering support and understanding to those who experience embarrassment can strengthen social connections and build trust among individuals and within social groups.

Cultural and Individual Variability:

Not everyone experiences second-hand embarrassment to the same degree, and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping our responses. Cultural norms and values influence our perceptions of what is embarrassing and how we should respond to such situations. Furthermore, individual differences in empathy levels and personal experiences can affect the intensity of second-hand embarrassment. Some individuals may be more attuned to others' emotions, leading them to experience vicarious embarrassment more intensely, while others may feel less affected by it.

Understanding the science behind second-hand embarrassment sheds light on the complexities of human emotions and the intricate web of connections that bind us together. This universal experience reminds us that we are not just isolated individuals but deeply intertwined social beings, sharing the rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating the human experience.

Unraveling the Psychology Behind Second-Hand Embarrassment

At the heart of the intriguing phenomenon of second-hand embarrassment lies the powerful psychological force of empathy. As social beings wired to connect with others, our ability to empathize plays a pivotal role in how we experience and navigate the discomfort of witnessing someone else's awkward or embarrassing moments. Delving into the psychology behind this emotional rollercoaster reveals the fascinating interplay between empathy, self-awareness, and the social fabric of our lives.

Empathy and the Shared Emotional Experience:

Empathy acts as a psychological bridge that connects us to the emotional experiences of others. It allows us to step into someone else's shoes, understanding their feelings and reactions as if they were our own. When we witness a person facing embarrassment, our empathetic nature compels us to recreate their emotional state within ourselves, resulting in a shared emotional experience known as second-hand embarrassment. This process reflects our innate capacity to recognize and resonate with the emotions of those around us.

The Role of Self-Awareness and Social Norms:

Our own self-awareness and understanding of social norms play pivotal roles in shaping our responses to second-hand embarrassment. As empathetic beings, we are acutely aware of the unwritten rules and expectations of social interactions. Witnessing someone violate these norms and experience embarrassment triggers our sense of self-awareness. We mentally compare the observed situation to our own experiences and internalize the discomfort, often imagining ourselves in their position. This introspection serves as a mirror that reflects our collective vulnerability and the shared potential for social mishaps.

Empathy as a Social Glue:

Beyond individual discomfort, second-hand embarrassment fosters social bonding and cohesion within groups. The act of empathizing with others' embarrassing moments reinforces our shared humanity and sense of camaraderie. This emotional connection strengthens social ties and builds trust among individuals, enabling deeper relationships and a sense of belonging. Empathy acts as a social glue that binds us together, allowing us to navigate the delicate terrain of human interactions with understanding and compassion.

Coping with Empathetic Overload:

While empathy is a powerful tool for social bonding, it also has its limitations. Experiencing second-hand embarrassment in high doses or frequently can lead to empathetic overload, commonly known as "empathy fatigue." Constant exposure to others' embarrassing moments without effective coping strategies can take a toll on our emotional well-being, causing stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion. Developing healthy boundaries and coping mechanisms is crucial for maintaining a balance between empathy and self-care.

Empathy and Emotional Growth:

On a positive note, second-hand embarrassment can foster personal growth and emotional development. Reflecting on the emotions we experience while witnessing others' embarrassing situations can lead to increased self-awareness and self-reflection. This heightened understanding of our own vulnerabilities and social sensitivities can cultivate a greater sense of empathy, encouraging us to approach future interactions with increased kindness, compassion, and understanding.

The psychology behind second-hand embarrassment reveals the profound influence of empathy in shaping our emotional experiences and social connections. It showcases the beauty and complexity of human interactions, highlighting the delicate dance of shared emotions, self-awareness, and the transformative power of understanding the experiences of others. Through the lens of empathy, we uncover the intrinsic threads that weave us into the intricate tapestry of human existence.

Unraveling the Impact of Media and Social Media on Second-Hand Embarrassment

In the digital era, where the boundaries between private and public spheres blur, media, and social media have become potent conduits for the proliferation of second-hand embarrassment. With a click of a button, awkward and cringe-worthy moments can go viral, reaching millions of viewers across the globe. As we navigate this brave new world of connectivity, the role of empathy in shaping our reactions to embarrassing content becomes a crucial aspect of understanding human behavior in the digital age.

The Viral Epidemic of Second-Hand Embarrassment:

In the realm of traditional media and reality television, second-hand embarrassment has long been a staple of entertainment. From awkward auditions on talent shows to embarrassing moments in sitcoms, viewers have been laughing, cringing, and empathizing with the characters' plights for decades. However, the advent of social media has intensified this phenomenon, allowing for real-time sharing and discussion of embarrassing incidents, often at the expense of unsuspecting individuals.

The Empathy Loop in Social Media:

Social media platforms thrive on user engagement, and content that evokes strong emotions is more likely to go viral. Empathy plays a central role in this process, as viewers are drawn to content that elicits a strong empathetic response. Whether it's witnessing a public speaking mishap, a wardrobe malfunction, or a social gaffe, our innate sense of empathy compels us to engage with the content, leaving comments, reactions, and shares that further amplify its reach.

Cyberbullying and the Empathy Gap:

While empathy can unite us through shared emotional experiences, it also reveals a darker side on social media. Cyberbullying is an unfortunate consequence of the digital age, where individuals use social platforms to humiliate and shame others publicly. The empathy gap becomes evident when individuals lack the capacity to relate to the emotions of those they target, inflicting pain without considering the real-life consequences of their actions. Building a more empathetic online culture is essential to combating cyberbullying and fostering digital spaces that promote empathy, understanding, and support.

Empathy Fatigue and Desensitization:

The constant barrage of embarrassing content on social media can lead to empathy fatigue. As we scroll through countless cringe-worthy videos and images, we may become desensitized to the emotional impact of second-hand embarrassment. This desensitization can lead to decreased empathy levels over time, making us less emotionally responsive to the experiences of others. Recognizing this phenomenon and actively engaging in self-regulation can help mitigate the negative effects of empathy fatigue.

Promoting Empathy and Positive Engagement:

Social media platforms and content creators have the power to shape the narrative around second-hand embarrassment positively. By fostering a culture of empathy and responsible content sharing, we can create online spaces that encourage understanding and compassion. Emphasizing the human element behind embarrassing moments, rather than reveling in others' discomfort, allows us to build connections and promote empathy, leading to a more compassionate digital community.

Empathy and Digital Literacy Education:

As social media becomes an integral part of modern life, incorporating empathy education into digital literacy programs is crucial. Teaching individuals, especially the younger generation, about the consequences of public humiliation and the importance of respectful online behavior can instill a sense of empathy and responsibility when engaging with content online. Empathetic digital citizens are more likely to contribute positively to the digital ecosystem, promoting a more empathetic and supportive online environment.

The media and social media have transformed the landscape of second-hand embarrassment, exposing us to a constant stream of cringe-worthy content. Empathy lies at the heart of our reactions to these moments, either drawing us together in shared experiences or revealing the potential for harm when empathy is lacking.

The Ripple Effect of Second-Hand Embarrassment: Understanding its Consequences

Second-hand embarrassment can have profound consequences that extend beyond the initial cringe-worthy encounter. As a complex emotional experience, it exerts its influence on various aspects of our lives, from our social interactions and relationships to our mental well-being and self-perception.

Social Interaction and Social Judgment:

One of the most immediate consequences of second-hand embarrassment is its impact on our social interactions. When we empathize with someone's embarrassing situation, we may find ourselves avoiding or distancing ourselves from the person involved. This reaction stems from a desire to shield ourselves from potential embarrassment by association. Furthermore, our empathetic response can influence our judgments of others, leading to assumptions about their competence, intelligence, or social skills based on a single embarrassing moment.

Emotional Contagion and Group Dynamics:

Second-hand embarrassment can trigger emotional contagion within groups. As we observe someone experiencing embarrassment, their emotional state can be mirrored and amplified by others around them. In group settings, this can lead to a collective feeling of discomfort, impacting the overall atmosphere and dynamics. Conversely, how the group responds to the individual can also influence the person's emotional well-being and sense of belonging within the group.

Self-Esteem and Self-Perception:

Witnessing someone else's embarrassing moment can also affect our own self-esteem and self-perception. Comparing ourselves to the person experiencing embarrassment may lead to feelings of superiority or relief, reinforcing a sense of self-worth. However, if we relate closely to the situation or fear experiencing a similar mishap, it can trigger feelings of vulnerability and diminish our self-esteem.

Empathy Fatigue and Emotional Exhaustion:

As we are bombarded with an increasing number of embarrassing moments through media and social media, constant exposure to second-hand embarrassment can lead to empathy fatigue. The emotional toll of constantly feeling discomfort and embarrassment for others can result in emotional exhaustion and reduce our capacity to empathize with others in real-life situations.

Impact on Relationships and Social Bonds:

Second-hand embarrassment can influence our relationships and social bonds. When individuals feel embarrassed or humiliated in front of others, the way people respond can either strengthen or weaken the social connection between them. Supportive and understanding responses can build trust and rapport, while insensitive or mocking reactions may strain relationships and create social distance.

Combatting Second-Hand Embarrassment

Dealing with second-hand embarrassment requires proactive measures to preserve our mental well-being and maintain healthy social interactions. Acknowledging the impact of this emotional phenomenon and understanding its connection to empathy can lead us to effective strategies for combating it. The role of therapy is crucial in this process, as it offers valuable tools for managing the discomfort and promoting mental health.

Developing Emotional Resilience:

Building emotional resilience is key to combating the effects of second-hand embarrassment. By recognizing that it's natural to experience vicarious discomfort, we can develop a healthier perspective and reduce feelings of shame or guilt associated with our empathetic responses. Mindfulness practices and self-compassion techniques can help in cultivating emotional resilience and allow us to navigate social situations with greater ease.

Setting Boundaries and Coping Mechanisms:

Establishing boundaries is essential to protect our mental health from the constant stream of embarrassing content on media and social media platforms. Limiting exposure to content that triggers second-hand embarrassment can help in preventing empathy fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Developing coping mechanisms, such as humor or cognitive reframing, can also provide effective strategies for managing empathetic responses.

Seeking Professional Support:

When second-hand embarrassment significantly impacts daily life or relationships, seeking therapy can be an invaluable step. Therapists can help individuals explore the underlying emotional triggers and develop personalized coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly useful in addressing negative thought patterns and enhancing emotional regulation, fostering resilience in the face of second-hand embarrassment.

Engaging in Empathy Training:

Empathy training can be beneficial for those who struggle with managing empathetic responses to others' embarrassing moments. These programs aim to increase emotional intelligence, improve understanding of social cues, and develop empathetic skills. Learning to differentiate between healthy empathy and empathy fatigue can empower individuals to navigate social situations with greater emotional balance.

Cultivating Positive Social Support:

Surrounding ourselves with a supportive social network is crucial for combating second-hand embarrassment. Engaging in open and nonjudgmental conversations with friends and loved ones about our emotional experiences can foster a sense of understanding and connectedness. A supportive social circle can also serve as a buffer against the negative effects of empathetic overload.

Addressing second-hand embarrassment involves recognizing its impact on mental health and relationships while prioritizing self-care and empathy management. Therapy stands as a cornerstone in this endeavor, providing a safe and professional space to explore and address the emotional complexities tied to this phenomenon. By developing emotional resilience, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, we can navigate the social landscape with empathy, compassion, and a sense of emotional well-being.

Although second hand embarrassment may not come across as a big deal, the consequences of it- a decrease in empathy and an increase in judgement- certainly are. But therapy can help ground us, and bring back the focus on healing ourselves.

With MindPeers you get access to over 100 therapists all equipped to help you in your journey. Download the MindPeers app now and get 50% off on your first session with us by using the code FIRST. Happy healing <3

Topics: stress, psychology, emotion, worrying, therapy, authenticity, social media, embarrassment, cringe

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  4. Analysing software usage patterns for improving product design and utility.
  5. Analysing anonymized practice information including financial, and inventory information for commercial use.
4. Mindpeers automatically enables the listing of Practitioners’ information on its Website as provided by You using the Mindpeers Platform. The Practitioner information listed on Website is displayed when End-Users search for Practitioners on Website, and the Practitioner information listed on Website is used by End-Users to request for appointments. Any personally identifiable information of the Practitioners listed on the Website is not generated by Mindpeers and is provided to Mindpeers by Practitioners who wish to enlist themselves on the Website or is collected by Mindpeers from the public domain. Mindpeers displays such information on its Website on an as-is basis making no representation or warranty on the accuracy or completeness of the information. As such, we strongly encourage Practitioners to check the accuracy and completeness of their information from time to time and inform us immediately of any discrepancies, changes, or updates to such information. Mindpeers will, however, take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information.
5. Mindpeers may also display information for Practitioners who have not signed up or registered for the Mindpeers Platform, provided that the Practitioners have consented to Mindpeers collecting, processing, and/or disclosing their information on the Website. Such Practitioners are verified by Mindpeers or its associates, and Mindpeers makes every effort to capture accurate information for such Practitioners. However, Mindpeers does not undertake any liability for any incorrect or incomplete information appearing on the Website for such Practitioners.
END-USERS NOTE: THIS SECTION APPLIES TO ALL END-USERS.
1. As part of the registration/application creation and submission process that is available to End-Users on this Website, certain information, including Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information is collected from the End-Users.
2. All the statements in this Privacy Policy apply to all End-Users, and all End-Users are therefore required to read and understand the privacy statements set out herein prior to submitting any Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data or Information to Mindpeers, failing which they are required to leave the Mindpeers immediately.
3. If you have inadvertently submitted any such information to Mindpeers prior to reading the privacy statements set out herein, and you do not agree with the manner in which such information is collected, processed, stored, used or disclosed, then you may access, modify and delete such information by using options provided on the Website. In addition, you can, by sending an email to hello@Mindpeers.co, inquire whether Mindpeers is in possession of your personal data, and you may also require Mindpeers to delete and destroy all such information.
4. End-Users’ personally identifiable information, which they choose to provide on the Website is used to help the End-Users describe/identify themselves. Other information that does not personally identify the End-Users as an individual, is collected by Mindpeers from End-Users (such as, patterns of utilization described above) and is exclusively owned by Mindpeers. Mindpeers may also use such information in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form for research, statistical analysis and business intelligence purposes, and may sell or otherwise transfer such research, statistical or intelligence data in an aggregated or non-personally identifiable form to third parties and affiliates. In particular, Mindpeers reserves with it the right to use anonymized End-User demographics information and anonymized End-User health information for the following purposes:
  1. Analysing software usage patterns for improving product design and utility.
  2. Analysing such information for research and development of new technologies.
  3. Using analysis of such information in other commercial product offerings of Mindpeers.
  4. Sharing analysis of such information with third parties for commercial use.
5. Mindpeers will communicate with the End-Users through email, phone and notices posted on the Website or through other means available through the service, including text and other forms of messaging. The End-Users can change their e-mail and contact preferences at any time by logging into their "Dashboard" at www.Mindpeers.co and changing the account settings.
6. At times, Mindpeers conducts a User survey to collect information about End-Users' preferences. These surveys are optional and if End-Users choose to respond, their responses will be kept anonymous. Similarly, Mindpeers may offer contests to qualifying End-Users in which we ask for contact and demographic information such as name, email address and mailing address. The demographic information that Mindpeers collects in the registration process and through surveys is used to help Mindpeers improve the Mindpeers Platform to meet the needs and preferences of End-Users.
7. Mindpeers may keep records of electronic communications and telephone calls received and made for making appointments or other purposes for the purpose of administration of services through the Mindpeers Platform, customer support, research, and development and for better listing of Practitioners.
8. All Mindpeers employees and data processors, who have access to, and are associated with the processing of sensitive personal data or information, are obliged to respect the confidentiality of every End-Users’ Personal Information or Sensitive Personal Data and Information. Mindpeers has put in place procedures and technologies as per good industry practices and in accordance with the applicable laws, to maintain the security of all personal data from the point of collection to the point of destruction. Any third-party data processor to which Mindpeers transfers Personal Data shall have to agree to comply with those procedures and policies or put in place adequate measures on their own.
9. Mindpeers may also disclose or transfer End-Users’ personal and other information provided by a User, to a third party as part of reorganization or a sale of the assets of a Mindpeers. Any third party to which Mindpeers transfers or sells its assets will have the right to continue to use the personal and other information that End-Users provide to us, in accordance with the Terms of Use
10. To the extent necessary to provide End-Users with the services through the Mindpeers Platform, Mindpeers may provide their Personal Information to third party contractors who work on behalf of or with Mindpeers to provide End-Users with such services through the Mindpeers Platform, to help Mindpeers communicate with End-Users or to maintain the Website or independent third-party service providers to process payment instructions including providing a payment deferral facility to End-Users in relation to the services through the Mindpeers Platform. These third-party service providers have access to information needed to process payments but may not use it for other purposes. Generally, these contractors do not have any independent right to share this information, however, certain contractors who provide services through the Mindpeers Platform on the Website, including the providers of online communications services, may use and disclose the personal information collected in connection with the provision of these services through the Mindpeers Platform in accordance with their own privacy policies. In such circumstances, you consent to us disclosing your Personal Information to contractors, solely for the intended purposes only.
CASUAL VISITORS NOTE:
1. No sensitive personal data or information is automatically collected by Mindpeers from any casual visitors of this website, who are merely perusing the Website.
2. Nevertheless, certain provisions of this Privacy Policy are applicable to even such casual visitors, and such casual visitors are also required to read and understand the privacy statements set out herein, failing which they are required to leave this Website immediately.
3. If you, as a casual visitor, have inadvertently browsed any other page of this Website prior to reading the privacy statements set out herein, and you do not agree with the manner in which such information is obtained, collected, processed, stored, used, disclosed or retained, merely quitting this browser application should ordinarily clear all temporary cookies installed by Mindpeers. All visitors, however, are encouraged to use the “clear cookies” functionality of their browsers to ensure such clearing/deletion, as Mindpeers cannot guarantee, predict or provide for the behaviour of the equipment of all the visitors of the Website.
4. You are not a casual visitor if you have willingly submitted any personal data or information to Mindpeers through any means, including email, post or through the registration process on the Website. All such visitors will be deemed to be and will be treated as, Users for the purposes of this Privacy Policy, and in which case, all the statements in this Privacy Policy apply to such persons.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY
1. Your Personal Information is maintained by Mindpeers in electronic form on its equipment, and on the equipment of its employees. Such information may also be converted to physical form from time to time. Mindpeers takes all necessary precautions to protect your personal information both online and off-line and implements reasonable security practices and measures including certain managerial, technical, operational and physical security control measures that are commensurate with respect to the information being collected and the nature of Mindpeers business.
2. No administrator at Mindpeers will have knowledge of your password. It is important for you to protect against unauthorized access to your password, your computer, and your mobile phone. Be sure to log off from the Website when finished. Mindpeers does not undertake any liability for any unauthorised use of your account and password. If you suspect any unauthorized use of your account, you must immediately notify Mindpeers by sending an email to hello@Mindpeers.co You shall be liable to indemnify Mindpeers due to any loss suffered by it due to such unauthorized use of your account and password.
3. Mindpeers makes all User information accessible to its employees, agents, or partners and third parties only on a need-to-know basis and binds only its employees to strict confidentiality obligations.
4. Part of the functionality of Mindpeers is assisting the Practitioners to maintain and organise such information. Mindpeers may, therefore, retain and submit all such records to the appropriate authorities, or to Practitioners who request access to such information.
5. Part of the functionality of the Mindpeers is assisting the End Users to access information relating to them. Mindpeers may, therefore, retain and submit all such records to the relevant End Users, or to their Practitioners.
6. Notwithstanding the above, Mindpeers is not responsible for the confidentiality, security, or distribution of your Personal Information by our partners and third parties outside the scope of our agreement with such partners and third parties. Further, Mindpeers shall not be responsible for any breach of security or for any actions of any third parties or events that are beyond the reasonable control of Mindpeers including but not limited to, acts of government, computer hacking, unauthorised access to computer data and storage device, computer crashes, breach of security and encryption, poor quality of Internet service or telephone service of the User etc.
CHANGE TO PRIVACY POLICY
1. Mindpeers may update this Privacy Policy at any time, with or without advance notice. In the event, there are significant changes in the way Mindpeers treats User’s personally identifiable information, or in the Privacy Policy itself, Mindpeers will display a notice on the Website or send Users an email, as provided for above, so that you may review the changed terms prior to continuing to use the Mindpeers Platform. As always, if you object to any of the changes to our terms, and you no longer wish to use the Mindpeers Platform, you may contact hello@Mindpeers.co to deactivate your account. Unless stated otherwise, Mindpeers current Privacy Policy applies to all information that Mindpeers has about you and your account.
2. If a User uses the Mindpeers Platform or accesses the Website after a notice of changes has been sent to such User or published on the Website, such User hereby provides his/her/its consent to the changed terms.
CHILDREN'S AND MINOR'S PRIVACY
1. Mindpeers strongly encourages parents and guardians to supervise the online activities of their minor children and consider using parental control tools available from online Mindpeers Platform and software manufacturers to help provide a child-friendly online environment. These tools also can prevent minors from disclosing their name, address, and other personally identifiable information online without parental permission. Although the Mindpeers Website and Mindpeers Platform are not intended for use by minors, Mindpeers respects the privacy of minors who may inadvertently use the internet or the mobile application.
CONSENT TO THIS POLICY
1. You acknowledge that this Privacy Policy is a part of the Terms of Use of the Website and the Mindpeers Platform, and you unconditionally agree that becoming a User of the Website and the Mindpeers Platform signifies your (i) assent to this Privacy Policy, and (ii) consent to Mindpeers using, collecting, processing and/or disclosing your Personal Information in the manner and for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. Your visit to the Website and use of the Mindpeers Platform is subject to this Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use.
ADDRESS FOR PRIVACY QUESTIONS
1. Should you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Mindpeers information collection, use and disclosure practices, you may contact, the Grievance Officer appointed by Mindpeers in accordance with the provisions the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Rule 3(11) of Information Technology (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules, 2011. We will use reasonable efforts to respond promptly to any requests, questions, or concerns, which you may have regarding our use of your personal information. If you have any grievance with respect to our use of your information, you may communicate such grievance to the Grievance Officer:

Name: Sarthak Agarwal

Address: 125 2^nd Floor, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi, North East, Delhi 110049, India,
Phone: 9810066307

Email: hello@Mindpeers.co

SCHEDULE

Indicative List of Information by Nature of Service

End-Users using the Mindpeers Platform by registering for an account: You can create an account by giving us information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested on the End-User registration page. This is to enable us to provide you with the facility to use the account to book your appointments and store other health-related information.
End-Users using the Website without registering for an account (i.e. ‘Guest’ End-User): You can use the Website (with limited functionality) without registering for an account, but to book an appointment, you may be asked to create an account and/or certain information (including your [mobile number, email ], and such other information as requested when you choose to use the Mindpeers Platform without registration) to confirm the appointment.
Practitioner listing on the Website and Availing Mindpeers Platform: As a Practitioner, you may be required to provide us with information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested on the Practitioner registration page to create an account. Mindpeers may send an email and/or SMS confirmations or other communications to End-Users in connection with their bookings, appointments, or other interactions with you if such interactions have been facilitated by Mindpeers.
Practitioners using Mindpeers products and Mindpeers Platform: You will be required to create an account and may be required to provide Mindpeers with information regarding your [name, mobile number, email address], and such other information as requested by Mindpeers, in order to complete your registration. Upon registration, Mindpeers will access to your customer/client information and their medical records. You agree to make your customer/client fully aware of such access.Mindpeers reserves the right to extend and withdraw booking facility to you at its sole discretion, based on the number of End-User appointments being honoured by you. The extension or withdrawal of such facility shall be intimated to you by Mindpeers.

This Privacy Policy has been last updated on 4th August 2020