Eye contact

Eye contact refers to a situation where two people look directly at each other's eyes at the same time. It is a form of nonverbal communication and is thought to have a large influence on social behavior. Coined in the early to mid-1960s, the term came from the West to often define the act as a meaningful and important sign of confidence, respect, and social communication. The customs and significance of eye contact vary between societies, with religious and social differences often altering its meaning greatly.

Cultural differences

The establishment and maintenance of eye contact can have very different meanings in some cultural settings. In some contexts, the meeting of eyes arouses strong emotions. Eye contact can be a sign of love, hatred, or sexual attraction, but in other cultures, particularly East Asian and Southeast Asian ones, prolonged eye contact can be seen as a sign of disrespect or challenge.

Psychological effects

Eye contact and facial expressions provide important social and emotional information. People, perhaps without consciously doing so, search other's eyes and faces for positive or negative mood signs. In some contexts, the meeting of eyes arouses strong emotions.

Eye contact and nonverbal communication

Eye contact is also an important element in nonverbal communication. It is associated with empathy, attachment, and social interaction. It can also be considered as a form of nonverbal communication.

Eye contact in infants

Infants are interested in eye contact, and would rather look at faces that engage them in mutual gaze than at faces that ignore them. This is part of a series of developmental events in infants, highlighting the importance of eye contact in communication and social interaction.

See also

• Nonverbal communication
• Attachment theory
• Empathy
• Social interaction

References

Eye contact Resources
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