Neuroscience & Neurology | By December 23, 2008 | By Erin Falconer, MS | 3 Comments

Look Me in the Eyes – From Eye Contact to “Fear Blindness”

Eye contact is commonly considered a sign of self-confidence and a means for emotional connection. In contrast, a person who averts their gaze is often considered shy, fearful, embarrassed or lying. Many a self-help manual has touted the power of eye contact, with direct eye contact suggested to help one quickly gain an individual’s attention, create an emotional connection and make a lasting impression. While these are quite common assumptions, scientists are only beginning to unravel the cognitive and brain processes that may underlie and corroborate the significance of eye contact. Read more →