The role of eye-contact in the development of romantic attraction: Studying interactive uncertainty reduction strategies during speed-dating

• Published in: Computers in human behavior 2020-04, Vol.105, p.106218, Article 106218
• Main Authors: Croes, Emmelyn A.J., Antheunis, Marjolijn L., Schouten, Alexander P., Krahmer, Emiel J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attraction; computer-mediated communication; Dating techniques; Eye contact; Information seeking behavior; Intimacy; Question asking; Questions; Reduction; Romantic attraction; Self-disclosure; Uncertainty; Uncertainty reduction; Video communication
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.106218

The present study employed a real-life speed-dating methodology with three conditions: a face-to-face (FTF) condition, a video-mediated communication (VMC) condition without eye-contact (Skype) and a VMC condition with eye-contact (an Eye-Catcher). The first aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eye-contact on the development of romantic attraction. Second, this study analysed the role of four interactive uncertainty reduction strategies (URSs) in the relationship between eye-contact and romantic attraction, namely (intimacy of) self-disclosure and (intimacy of) question asking. The results revealed no direct effect of eye-contact on romantic attraction. Moreover, there were more (intimate) self-disclosures in conditions with eye-contact, but fewer (intimate) questions asked. These findings suggest that communication conditions with eye-contact result in less information-seeking behaviour, in terms of question asking. However, people share more personal, intimate information about themselves to their interaction partner. Conclusively, eye-contact in initial interactions induces less uncertainty and more intimacy, compared to interactions without eye-contact. •The availability for eye-contact in communication conditions does not impact romantic attraction in initial interactions.•Communication with eye-contact is more nonverbally expressive, as it enhances (intimate) self-disclosure.•In communication conditions without eye-contact, people ask more (intimate) questions to reduce uncertainty.•Communication without eye-contact results in more information-seeking behaviour and less intimate interaction conditions.