A new study from an international team of researchers has uncovered a simple yet powerful eye contact trick that can instantly make someone appear more trustworthy. Published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the findings suggest that it’s not just making eye contact that matters—it’s how and when you glance, lock eyes, and redirect your gaze that truly communicates intent and trustworthiness to others. This discovery holds implications for everything from everyday social encounters to the design of robots interacting with humans, raising questions about how such non-verbal cues are interpreted across different cultures, including Thailand.
The study, conducted with 137 participants across several countries and led by a researcher from Flinders University, set out to decode the precise signals that convince people someone—or even something, such as a robot—truly wants to communicate. The research centered around a core gaze sequence: looking at an object, making brief eye contact, then looking back at the original object, a pattern termed “Intervene-Same.” Remarkably, when human or robot agents performed this sequence, 96% of participants were convinced that the agent wanted something from them, compared to just 41% for those who made eye contact first before looking at objects—the latter being a surprisingly weak trust signal. In contrast, when no eye contact was involved, the perceived trust factor plummeted to just 27% (studyfinds.org).
To uncover these insights, participants watched human-like avatars and the iCub robot—as commonly used in artificial intelligence research—perform a variety of gaze patterns while sitting at a virtual table with three colored blocks. The key question: Did the agent actually want one of the blocks, or were they simply scanning the environment? Participants were consistently fastest and most confident in their judgment when agents performed the “Intervene-Same” pattern, suggesting that this gaze sequence powerfully and intuitively communicates a request or intention.
Perhaps most intriguing was the finding that this eye contact sequence triggered the same response regardless of whether the agent was a lifelike robot or a human avatar. While people rated humans higher on human-likeness and liveliness, robots were actually judged as more likable. Yet, the persuasiveness of the gaze pattern was unaffected. As noted by the lead researcher from Flinders University, “Participants were most likely, and fastest, to perceive a request when eye contact occurred between two averted gaze shifts towards the same object.” This supports the idea that humans are evolutionarily attuned to detecting communicative intent through patterns of eye movement—regardless of the actual species or entity involved.
The implications of this breakthrough are wide-reaching, especially as social robots and artificial intelligence become ever more present in homes, workplaces, and even medical settings in Thailand. Many robots today rely on overt gestures or speech to communicate, which can sometimes feel mechanical or forced. This research suggests that robots programmed to use more natural, intuitive gaze patterns may be better accepted as social companions, improving trust and comfort in human-robot interactions. For Thailand’s rapidly aging society, where social robots such as Paro or Pepper are gradually being introduced in eldercare or for companionship (Bangkok Post), incorporating these gaze tricks could make caregiving more effective and less alienating for older adults.
But beyond robotics, the study’s findings are just as valuable for improving everyday human communication—an area of shared concern for educators, business leaders, and mental health professionals in Thailand. Culturally, Thai society often values indirect communication and subtle non-verbal cues. Teachers giving instructions, managers providing feedback, and even monks during dharma talks often rely on gaze and body language to signal intent and build rapport. Understanding the “Intervene-Same” pattern could give Thais a conscious tool to enhance clarity and trust, particularly in sensitive situations where verbal communication is challenging or culturally constrained.
Notably, the experiment was designed to minimize bias, involving participants of diverse backgrounds and rigorously testing six unique gaze patterns, each within 288 trials per person. Still, limitations remain. All interactions took place on screens, not in person, and most participants came from Western cultures, which raises the question: Would Thai participants interpret such gaze patterns in the same way? As Thai communication norms can differ—where extended eye contact may sometimes be viewed as impolite or confrontational, especially when directed toward elders or superiors (Thai Cultural Norms)—further research is needed to confirm these findings in a Southeast Asian context.
International experts suggest cautious but optimistic application of these insights. The principal investigator stressed that “future research needs to test whether these patterns hold up in live, physical interactions and across different cultural contexts.” Citing Thailand’s unique blend of collectivist values and respect-based communication, specialists from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Communication Arts recommend adapted training for teachers, healthcare workers, and customer service agents. By learning to apply the “object-eye-object” gaze sequence, professionals may gain an edge in building trust—even without saying a single word.
Looking to the future, several avenues beckon for the application of this research in Thailand and beyond. Could mastering this gaze pattern help Thais who struggle with shyness or social anxiety? Might it help physicians or nurses convey caring and concern more effectively to patients? Or perhaps, as Thailand continues to invest in AI and robotics for education and tourism, this small insight into human psychology could help robots become more natural and welcome partners in daily life. Already, companies serving the hospitality sector are exploring how micro-interactions—such as appropriate gaze and gesture—make guests feel more secure and valued (Bangkok Post).
For everyday readers, the takeaway is both surprising and reassuring: Trust is not only about words or even smiles, but the subtle choreography of how our eyes meet, linger, and return to the things that matter. Next time you wish to show sincere intent—whether offering a helping hand or seeking understanding in a family discussion—try the proven “Intervene-Same” sequence: glance to the object of discussion, make natural eye contact, and then return your gaze to the object. In the nuanced world of Thai social interactions, a single sequence of looks may say more than a thousand words.
For Thais navigating the complexities of modern life—where technology, tradition, and interpersonal skills must harmonize—such research offers practical wisdom. Police officers conducting interviews, teachers engaging students, or even businesspeople seeking to foster authenticity in cross-cultural negotiations may benefit from the magic of intentional eye contact. If you find making direct eye contact difficult, practice with friends or family, focusing on gentle, natural glances that feel comfortable. For AI developers, consider collaborating with local cultural experts to ensure that robots’ gaze behaviors respect Thai norms while leveraging the science of non-verbal trust.
The secret of trust, it seems, is now in plain sight—if you know where, and how, to look.
For further details, consult the original study summary at StudyFinds.org, consider Royal Society Open Science for academic publication, and review local commentary via Bangkok Post.