4 Nonverbal eye openers about eye contact
When contemplating body language (*), a form of nonverbal communication resembling a silent orchestra, our attention naturally gravitates towards facial expressions, gestures, and body movements as cues for communication.
However, the significance of eye movement and its role in communication is often disregarded despite being an essential means of conveying messages. Here are some intriguing discoveries about eye contact:
01. The eyes are a vital component of facial expressions
While we often focus on facial expressions like smiles or frowns when interpreting body language cues, it’s important to recognize the critical role that our eyes and their intricate musculature play in accurately expressing emotions.
Psychologist Paul Ekman’s research highlights how our eyes can be revealing indicators of genuine happiness versus fake expressions. According to Ekman (Ekman et al., 1990), the Duchenne smile, characterized by narrowed eyes and the appearance of lines or crow’s feet at the outer corners, signifies authentic, experienced positive emotions.
If these crucial ocular cues are absent, it suggests that the smile may be insincere.
02. The eyes can trigger arousal
Engaging in mutual eye contact, where we directly gaze into someone else’s eyes, can instantly evoke arousal. However, how we interpret this arousal depends on the identity of the person and the surrounding circumstances.
If the individual appears suspicious or unfamiliar, it might elicit fear. On the other hand, if we perceive the person as a threat, the intense gaze may lead to feelings of irritation and anger.
03. The eyes can serve as an indicator of sexual interest
Regarding the arousal resulting from mutual gaze, direct eye contact, and prolonged stares, it can signify flirtation and sexual interest. Another subtle eye cue, often overlooked, is pupil dilation. When we find something or someone captivating, our pupils tend to widen as we concentrate on the object of interest.
If the person in question is an intriguing and alluring potential partner, our pupils may dilate (though it remains uncertain whether the other person will notice or be influenced by it).
Additionally, research suggests that mutual gazing into someone’s eyes can be a genuine indicator of love. Couples deeply in love tend to engage in this behavior, and the frequency of such eye contact corresponds to the depth of their affection and attraction.
04. The eyes can be utilized to mislead or deceive others.
In a research by the Psychology Today magazine on deception (Riggio & Friedman, 1983), they made a fascinating discovery. Contrary to the common belief that liars avoid eye contact, our findings indicated the opposite.
When participants were asked to either tell the truth or lie, the liars actually increased their eye contact compared to when they were being truthful. This unexpected behavior might be attributed to their awareness of the prevailing stereotype about deception, leading them to overcompensate with their eyes while lying.
4 Nonverbal eye openers about eye contact conclusion
All of these captivating findings truly serve as eye-openers, illuminating the significance and influence of nonverbal cues, with a particular focus on the power of eye contact in human communication and interpersonal connections.
It plays a crucial role in expressing emotions through facial expressions and can also signify sexual interest and the depth of love and attraction.
(*) Body language is an essential means of communication, with much of it occurring at a subconscious level. For instance, when waiting for a blind date, you might nervously tap your foot without being fully aware of it.
Your eyes also play a significant role in expressing emotions. Eye blocking, which involves covering your eyes, can convey feelings of frustration and worry. Additionally, closing your eyelids firmly can indicate determination, while fluttering eyelids may signify embarrassment or the acknowledgment of having made a mistake.
