At Strangers ((install)): Staring

The norms and expectations surrounding staring at strangers vary across cultures and social contexts. In some cultures, direct eye contact is seen as a sign of respect and engagement, while in others it's considered impolite or aggressive.

: Research shows that "civil inattention"—the practice of briefly acknowledging a stranger and then looking away—is the standard adult social norm. Breaking this by staring often makes the target feel embarrassed or threatened. Interpretations of the Act : Staring at Strangers