Recent findings suggest a specific eye-contact sequence can make an agent appear more trustworthy. Research published in Royal Society Open Science shows that not only eye contact but the timing and direction of gaze convey intent. The results have implications for everyday conversations, classrooms, and human–robot design, with meaningful considerations for Thai social norms.
The study followed 137 participants across several countries and was led by a researcher from a prominent university. It examined a gaze sequence called “Intervene-Same”: look at an object, make brief eye contact, then return to the object. When both humans and robots used this pattern, about 96% of participants believed the agent intended something from them, compared with 41% when eye contact came before looking at the object, and 27% when there was no eye contact. Participants watched human-like avatars and the iCub robot perform different gaze patterns at a virtual table with colored blocks, judging whether the agent wanted a block or was simply scanning.
The Intervene-Same pattern proved effective for both lifelike humans and robots. While humans tended to be rated as more lively and human-like, robots were often perceived as more likable. The researchers noted that people were quickest to perceive a request when two averted gaze shifts converged on the same object, underscoring how eyes guide communicative intent across entities.
For Thailand, where social robots are increasingly used in eldercare, education, and hospitality, these insights could influence how non-verbal cues are designed in robots and service interactions. Thailand’s aging population and growing tourism sector highlight the value of intuitive, trustworthy robot behavior. Data from Thailand’s health and education sectors indicate that clear, respectful non-verbal communication can improve patient care, classroom engagement, and guest experiences in hospitality.
Thai experts call for careful adaptation. Thai communication often emphasizes indirect speech and respectful non-verbal cues. Educators, clinicians, and customer-service professionals may benefit from training that aligns the Intervene-Same gaze pattern with local norms. Integrating this approach could improve clarity and trust without over-reliance on spoken language.
The study aimed to minimize bias by including diverse participants and testing six gaze patterns across many trials. Still, limitations exist: interactions occurred on screens rather than in person, and most participants were from Western cultures. It remains to be seen how Thai participants would interpret these gaze patterns in live, culturally rich contexts where eye contact carries varied meanings across ages and settings.
Experts advocate cautious, culturally sensitive application. While promising, researchers urge testing in real-life interactions and across varied cultural contexts. In Thailand, universities and public-health authorities can help tailor training programs that respect local norms while leveraging intuitive gaze communication. Potential applications include classroom engagement, clinician–patient rapport, and hospitality service excellence in hotels and cultural venues.
Looking ahead, practical uses in Thai education, eldercare, and tourism could be wide-ranging. Could mastering this gaze sequence help individuals with social anxiety engage more comfortably? Might caregivers convey warmth more effectively with natural eye patterns? As Thailand expands AI and robotics in daily life, aligning gaze behaviors with local expectations could enhance human–robot collaboration and more inviting service experiences.
The takeaway for readers is practical: trust ties to how we move our eyes. Consider a natural sequence: glance at the object of discussion, establish brief eye contact, then shift your gaze back to the object of interest. In Thai culture, where subtlety and respect shape interactions, adapting gaze cues thoughtfully can improve clarity and connection without causing discomfort.
For professionals navigating Thailand’s modern landscape—police interviews, classrooms, or cross-cultural negotiations—the science of eye movement offers a tool to foster authenticity. If direct eye contact feels challenging, practice gentle, natural glances with trusted colleagues. For AI developers and service designers, collaborate with local cultural experts to ensure gaze behaviors respect Thai norms while leveraging non-verbal trust signals.
The core insight remains: trust can be influenced by how we look and how our gaze shifts. As research expands across cultures and real-life settings, Thai educators, healthcare workers, and hospitality practitioners can thoughtfully integrate these cues to strengthen connections with students, patients, and guests.
For more details, refer to the original study summary from StudyFinds and the Royal Society Open Science publication. Local perspectives on robotics and service innovation can be found in Thai media coverage.