The Social Gaze

The social gaze refers to how individuals look at and interpret others’ eye contact and facial cues during interaction. It plays a key role in nonverbal communication, helping us understand emotions, establish connections, and navigate social situations. For example, making eye contact can signal interest or attentiveness, while avoiding it might indicate discomfort or disinterest. The social gaze is not just about looking; it involves subtle, often unconscious, regulation of where and how long we look at someone, contributing to social bonding, trust, and understanding in everyday interactions.