Panopticism is a social theory developed by the philosopher Michel Foucault in his book "Discipline and Punish." It describes a system of control where individuals are constantly observed, leading them to regulate their own behavior. The concept is based on the design of the Panopticon, a prison structure where a single guard can observe all inmates without them knowing when they are being watched. This idea extends beyond prisons to various institutions, such as schools and workplaces, where surveillance influences how people act. In a panoptic society, the fear of being watched encourages conformity and discipline, shaping social norms and behaviors.