What effect can eye contact have when communicating a negative message?

Eye contact in communication plays a significant role in conveying emotions and intentions. When delivering a negative message, establishing eye contact can sometimes escalate emotions due to the perception of aggression or confrontation. This is particularly relevant in driving situations, where emotions can run high. If a driver makes eye contact while delivering a negative message—such as a gesture expressing frustration or annoyance—it may provoke an aggressive response from the other driver, potentially leading to road rage.

In contrast, maintaining a non-confrontational demeanor and reducing eye contact can help de-escalate situations. Hence, eye contact, when coupled with a negative message, can indeed trigger heightened emotional responses, sometimes resulting in dangerous situations on the road. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for drivers to navigate road interactions safely.