Can Eye Contact Stop Someone from Lying? Science Says Yes

We all know that body language can give away a lie—shifty eyes, nervous fidgeting, avoiding eye contact. But what if you could stop a lie before it’s even spoken? According to new research, direct eye contact might be the key to getting the truth out of someone.

How Eye Contact Influences Truth-Telling

A study from the University of Tampere explored how eye contact impacts honesty. Researchers conducted an interactive experiment where participants played a computer game while observing their opponents through a smart-glass window. The results? When players made direct eye contact, the likelihood of lying significantly decreased.

Psychologists have long recognized that liars tend to avoid eye contact, but this study suggests that locking eyes with someone isn’t just a way to catch deception—it might actually prevent it.

Why Eye Contact Makes Liars Uncomfortable

Lying, even for skilled deceivers, often comes with subtle physical cues. Best-selling author and relationship expert Susan Winter explains that liars exhibit “micro-gestures” like darting eyes or fidgeting due to discomfort. Making direct eye contact intensifies this feeling, making it harder to maintain a falsehood.

“People who are self-conscious, insecure, or inauthentic will feel uncomfortably exposed when making direct eye contact,” says Winter.

Dr. Robert Glatter, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, agrees. He describes eye contact as a power move that demands accountability. When someone feels truly seen, the pressure to be truthful increases.

“Making eye contact changes the dynamics of an interaction, turning it deeply personal and demanding responsibility for one’s actions,” Glatter explains.

Using Eye Contact to Address Dishonesty

Even if you can sense that someone is holding back the truth, calling them a liar outright isn’t always the best approach. Confrontation can trigger defensiveness, making it harder to have an honest conversation.

Award-winning therapist Shannon Thomas suggests a softer approach:

“Addressing the obvious discomfort in the other person is better than directly accusing them of lying.”

Instead of saying, I know you’re lying, try:

“I notice you seem uncomfortable and are avoiding eye contact. Why is that?”

This phrasing encourages open dialogue rather than putting someone on the defensive.

Creating a Culture of Honesty

According to Winter, setting the expectation for honesty in a relationship is key. If someone knows they can tell the truth without fear of overreaction, they’re more likely to be upfront. She suggests telling them:

“I may not like what you have to say, but I’d rather hear the truth than a lie.”

Backing that up with a calm and rational response reinforces the idea that honesty is always the better option.

The Bottom Line

Eye contact is more than just a social cue—it’s a tool for truth. Whether you’re in a tough conversation or simply want to gauge someone’s honesty, meeting their gaze can make all the difference. And while science backs this up, let’s be honest—most moms figured this trick out long ago!