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Seeing to Connect: How Visual and Auditory Channels Shape Empathic Interactions
Shir Genzer1, Yonat Rum1, Ulrike M Krämer2
1Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Hearing is enough for basic empathy, but seeing enhances emotional connection. This study reveals visual cues are crucial for shared positive emotions and mutual care in online interactions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Empathic interactions are fundamental to social connection.
- The role of sensory channels (visual, auditory) in online empathy is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct and combined effects of visual and auditory channels on empathic interactions.
- To examine these effects from the perspectives of both the listener and the storyteller.
Main Methods:
- Three pre-registered studies (N = 710) involving online video calls where participants shared emotional experiences.
- Manipulated camera presence (on/off) to isolate auditory and visual channel contributions.
- Measured empathic accuracy, attentiveness, empathy, togetherness, emotional congruency, vocal responsiveness, positivity resonance, and prosocial behavior.
Main Results:
- Auditory information alone enabled accurate emotion identification and high listener attentiveness and empathy.
- Visual information significantly enhanced storytellers' perceptions of listeners, fostering shared positive emotions, we-ness, and mutual care.
- Visual cues appeared to boost prosocial behavior.
Conclusions:
- While auditory cues facilitate basic information sharing in empathy, visual cues are essential for deeper empathic connection.
- Seeing and being seen are critical for optimal empathic experiences in mediated communication.
- Findings have implications for designing more effective online communication platforms.
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