Why do western cultures seem more shy of eye contact than other cultures? Staring seems more taboo here too (live in, bus)

[The Postman]

I don't know if this is more specific to the Anglosphere or Northern Europe, I would say Italy might be different, but I notice here or say in the UK, people are generally very shy of eye contact. NOT that I go around staring at people or trying to catch their eyes, I'm shy too and act like everybody else, but I notice in Asia, whether it be South, Southeast or East Asia, people often have no qualms about staring, or at least making extended eye contact (which can freak some western tourists out). I'm of Asian ancestry myself but Australian, so am culturally a westerner, so I could notice the difference.

Maybe it's to do with personal space? A more individualistic, private society? In many cultures people are also more open with their non-sexual affection. Being physical with male friends for instance in India or Korea for instance.

[Magnatomicflux]

I would say in general, Canadians value a certain amount of eye contact, as it shows a level of honesty. At least in conversation.

I can't find any reason to be making any sort of prolonged eye contact with strangers whom I'm passing on the sidewalk.

[tairos]

I think Western culture is middling as far as eye contact goes. I know that in some cultures, eye contact is considered adversarial and avoiding it thus respectful/deferential.

[Bernie20]

I've never noticed a lack of eye contact and we both live in Australia. People always make eye contact with me so I find that unusual what you say Postman. If I'm talking to someone there is always eye contact. I don't really go out of my way to make eye contact with random strangers though.

[Red_Devil]

Because Western Culture is over run with multiculturalism. You don't know where the other person is from or what their social norms are.

[Mac15]

Because its uncomfortable.

[theunbrainwashed]

Originally Posted by Red_Devil

Because Western Culture is over run with multiculturalism. You don't know where the other person is from or what their social norms are.

Thank you for your elementary level contribution to this topic.

Originally Posted by The Postman

I don't know if this is more specific to the Anglosphere or Northern Europe, I would say Italy might be different, but I notice here or say in the UK, people are generally very shy of eye contact. NOT that I go around staring at people or trying to catch their eyes, I'm shy too and act like everybody else, but I notice in Asia, whether it be South, Southeast or East Asia, people often have no qualms about staring, or at least making extended eye contact (which can freak some western tourists out). I'm of Asian ancestry myself but Australian, so am culturally a westerner, so I could notice the difference.

Maybe it's to do with personal space? A more individualistic, private society? In many cultures people are also more open with their non-sexual affection. Being physical with male friends for instance in India or Korea for instance.

I'm Hispanic, and I don't like being stared at when someone is not talking to me. I maintain constant eye contact when I'm speaking with someone, but I look away for brief moments so I don't appear standoffish.

[dunno what to put here]

I don't like making eye contact with random people on the bus or train because there is no reason to - I have no idea who these people are, and I don't want to talk to them. I just want to get from A to B.

[Utopian Slums]

As a chick, i have learned that holding eye contact too long sometimes sends the wrong message to USA males. So i don't do it as much as I did when younger due to my own safety concerns.

[Repubocrat]

Here in the USA, I notice recent Mexican and Indian immigrants usually stare a lot, it is definitely something cultural. I think it is rude, it drives me nuts. I don't get it, never will.