Prop absorption masks eye contact and signals unapproachability in public spaces

Evidence

Note that this absorption with props functions to keep the eyes occupied so that one does not have to be concerned with eye contact (a type of contact which body-management users take great pains to avoid). And the busyness suggests to those about that here is a person who has many important things to do and is therefore not a person with whom one should attempt any interaction. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 889

Categorization

Category: Causal Relationships

• XREF: Directly connects to the reader’s stated project: Cole’s observing self rendered unapproachable—this is the cognitive mechanic behind the ‘weaponized detachment’ Lofland’s civilities support.

Related

• Strategic busyness with props lets urban strangers justify avoiding eye contact and interaction. (similarity 0.88)