I’ve been researching virtual body language for a chapter in a book I’m writing. One of the unique concepts I’ve come across is the “limbic response” (named after the limbic brain). The limbic brain generates and interprets facial expressions and handles emotions.

Here’s what scientists have found: A baby, viewing a videotape of the mother’s face becomes distraught; the baby needs to see the mother’s “real” face before it calms down. Eye contact, it seems, is not just important for conveying messages, it is the means by which two limbic systems come into contact and affect each other.

Of course, adult humans have other ways to share emotions (language and body motion) - but still, this research presents an interesting perspective for technology and communication.