Social anxiety is also known as social phobia. Simply put, it is fear of social situations. It is also described as fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent. It affects daily life for many people. Social anxiety causes fear or panic in social situations. It is a treatable condition. Therapy is often helpful for people with social anxiety. If you experience social anxiety, you may benefit from exploring treatment options with a mental health professional. A therapist can help you understand your anxiety and develop coping methods.