#Eyecontact

Recent psychological research is challenging the long-held belief that breaking eye contact during conversation signals dishonesty, disinterest, or rudeness. A new article, summarizing insights from leading psychologists and supported by recent studies, reveals that looking away while talking is a far more complex—and often benign—behavior than popular culture suggests. In a society like Thailand, where interpersonal harmony and subtle nonverbal cues play central roles in communication, rethinking the meaning of eye contact could improve everyday interactions, both at work and at home.

Eye contact is more complex than a simple trust signal. New research shows looking away during conversation is often normal rather than dishonest behavior. For Thai readers, where harmony and subtle nonverbal cues are valued, these findings can improve everyday interactions at work and home.

Historically, direct eye contact was seen as a sign of honesty. Today, researchers emphasize that gaze is not a straightforward reliability test. In everyday conversations, people typically maintain eye contact about 40-60% of the time; this can rise to 60-70% during emotional moments. Some studies show mutual gaze dropping to 0-45% with bursts lasting under half a second. Context, personality, and task demands shape these patterns more than any single tell.

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.

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.

Eye contact reveals more about confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than many realize. New insights from psychology and field interviews offer practical lessons for Thais navigating work, family, and public life.

In Thailand, subtle signals matter. The moment eyes meet can signal trust or hesitation in job interviews, negotiations, or casual chats at markets. A relaxed, steady gaze communicates openness, warmth, and confidence before a word is spoken. Quick, tense, or wandering eye contact often hints at unease or distraction.

New research is shedding light on how the simple act of maintaining eye contact reveals far more about your confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than most realize, according to recent psychology findings summarised in a July 2025 report by VegOut Magazine. Drawing from extensive interviews with psychologists and peer-reviewed studies, the article uncovers eight core areas where gaze behavior provides insight into personal assurance, social anxiety, and even intercultural competence, offering practical lessons for Thais navigating workplace, family, and public interactions.