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It's said that species like dogs and bears perceive eye contact as a sign of aggression. Primates -- including us humans, in many of the world's cultures -- use eye contact in this way as well, to the point where zoo visitors are advised to avoid their gaze when possible.

Nothing seems intuitively "aggressive" about looking at someone looking at you. So then, why is eye contact commonly perceived as a form of aggression, even across species? Is there an advantage to perceiving eye contact as aggressive?

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    $\begingroup$ Because predators don't stalk you with their eyes closed? Anything that helps you survive (Run away! Fight! Freeze!) is an advantage. Oh the other hand, dogs can hold prolonged eye contact (perceived as affection/begging) as a way to manipulate humans into giving them bites of their cheeseburgers. Prolonged eye contact needs context. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Jun 16 at 2:46
  • $\begingroup$ because it is harder to attack you when I can't see you, so it might be better to think of it in reverse, if another animal can't see you it is less likely to be aggresive. $\endgroup$
    – John
    Commented Jul 1 at 1:12

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Eye contact being perceived as aggressive across species, including in humans, stems from evolutionary and behavioural factors. In primates and humans, direct eye contact can signal dominance, threat, or territoriality. This is rooted in survival instincts where maintaining a safe distance and avoiding confrontation are advantageous. In social species, interpreting eye contact as aggressive helps in navigating hierarchical structures and minimising conflict. This perception likely evolved as a way to establish boundaries and maintain order within groups. So, even though eye contact itself isn't inherently aggressive, seeing it that way helps animals and us humans promote social cohesion and keep things in line.

interesting read: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/vitamin-eye/200907/eye-eye-visual-violence-0#:~:text=Employed%20to%20send%20warnings%2C%20set,antagonize%2C%20coerce%2C%20or%20hurt.

Also, keep in mind that the "aggressive" interpretation is not solely due to a gaze/stare. There are still tiny facial expressions and changes in facial muscles that provide cues.

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    $\begingroup$ To get the post notice removed, just flag your question and ask a moderator to remove the flag now that you've added sources. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Jun 20 at 21:20

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