Seeing to Connect: How Visual and Auditory Channels Shape Empathic Interactions

This research examines how visual and auditory channels affect empathic interactions from the perspectives of the listener (the empathy provider), the storyteller (the empathy recipient), and the shared dyadic experience. Across three pre-registered studies (N = 710), storytellers shared emotional experiences with listeners through online video calls, with cameras on or off. Study 1 examined empathic accuracy, attentiveness, empathy, and togetherness. Study 2 replicated these findings and extended them to emotional congruency. Study 3 introduced vocal responsiveness, positivity resonance, and prosocial behavior. Auditory information alone was sufficient for listeners to accurately identify storytellers’ emotions and to maintain high self-reported attentiveness and empathy. However, visual information shaped how storytellers perceived their listeners, and was key to creating shared positive emotions, we-ness, and mutual care, and appeared to enhance prosocial behavior. These findings suggest that while hearing each other might suffice for information sharing, optimal empathic connection requires seeing and being seen.