Eyecontact

Eyecontact, commonly written as eye contact, refers to the act of looking into another person’s eyes during social interaction. It signals attention, interest, and involvement, helps regulate the flow of conversation, and can convey empathy and social connection.

In conversation, people alternate between mutual gaze and brief glances away. Mutual gaze helps coordinate turn-taking and assess others’ reactions, while looking away can indicate thinking, discomfort, or respect for personal space. Eye contact can also support the interpretation of facial expressions and other nonverbal signals that accompany speech.

Cultural and developmental variability is a hallmark of eye contact. Norms around direct gaze vary widely by culture; in some contexts sustained eye contact signals confidence and honesty, while in others it may be seen as disrespectful or confrontational. Eye contact develops in early childhood and becomes more nuanced with language and social experience. Atypical patterns of eye contact are observed in autism spectrum conditions and in some anxiety disorders, influencing social interaction and communication.

Psychological and social effects are well documented. Eye contact can influence impressions of trust, warmth, and competence, and it can regulate arousal and signal intent. Excessive staring may be perceived as threatening, whereas too little eye contact can be interpreted as disengagement or evasiveness. The balance of gaze contributes to the perceived quality of an interaction.

Practical considerations include maintaining natural mutual gaze while listening or speaking, adjusting to context, and avoiding prolonged staring. In public speaking or interviews, steady yet humanizing eye contact with different parts of the audience is often recommended. In digital communication, people may simulate eye contact by looking toward the camera. See also nonverbal communication, gaze, social signaling.