The study by Kaiser, Henry, and Eyjólfsdóttir (2022) explores how eye contact during video communication affects feelings of connection, mutual engagement, and emotional validation.
Research Context
With the increasing use of video communication platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the role of eye contact in virtual interactions is crucial. This study examines the experiences of individuals when making eye contact in video calls versus when eye contact is disrupted or absent.
Methodology
- Participants: 15 individuals (9 men, 6 women) participated in the study, forming seven relationship dyads composed of friends or partners, with one participant conversing with a researcher.
- Experimental Design: The study employed two custom-made video communication units (NUNAs) that allowed participants to alternate between maintaining eye contact and experiencing skewed visuality, where eye contact was disrupted.
- Data Collection: Participants engaged in conversations and were subsequently interviewed in a semi-structured format to capture their experiences and perceptions.
Key Findings
- Enhanced Connection: Eye contact during video calls fostered a sense of closeness and connection, making interactions feel more personal and immediate.
- Mutual Engagement: Participants reported higher levels of engagement and attentiveness when they could maintain eye contact, facilitating smoother and more natural dialogues.
- Emotional Validation: The ability to make eye contact contributed to feelings of being understood and validated, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing the overall communication experience.
Impact
- Professional Settings: In telehealth and other professional environments, eye contact can enhance patient-provider relationships, improve task performance, and increase client satisfaction.
- Educational Settings: Teachers can improve student engagement and learning outcomes by maintaining eye contact during virtual lessons, making online education more interactive and effective.
- Personal Interactions: Maintaining eye contact in personal video calls strengthens relationships and improves the quality of interactions, making them feel more like face-to-face conversations.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of eye contact in video communication, demonstrating its positive effects on connection, engagement, and emotional validation. These findings underscore the need for technologies that facilitate eye contact to enhance the effectiveness and quality of virtual interactions across various settings.
References
Kaiser, N., Henry, K., & Eyjólfsdóttir, H. (2022). Eye Contact in Video Communication: Experiences of Co-creating Relationships. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 852692. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.852692
