In a lift why do people all look forwards and stare at the numbers.?

Question

Is it social conformity, fear, mindlessness, lack of imagination, static aceptance of rote, what? Where is the dynamic potential of man when faced with a 6' by 6' metal box?

Answer 1

I guess it's because it's like a established rule. Because these people do not know each other, they feel that they shouldn't bother to acknowledge each other at all. I think it's also this thing about giving people their personal space. We all a certain personal space that we feel uncomfortable if someone gets it. I think we are consious of avoiding people's space and them invading ours.
Also, I was looking on the net for your question, and I found rules of how to behave!

Choose a spot to stand that distributes personal space evenly among all elevator passengers. If there are three passengers, and the one furthest from you exits the elevator, the remaining passenger that is closest to the doors must relocate to evenly distribute personal space.

Fix your gaze on a neutral item, such as the buttons or numbers over the door. If the doors are mirrored, look down to avoid staring at the other passengers' reflections.

Keep conversation to a minimum. If you are traveling with companions, you may continue a conversation that was started outside the elevator, provided that:
- You lower your voice to a generally accepted "hushed" level;
- Your topic of conversation covers neutral, socially acceptable topics such as sports or vacation spots. Avoid inflammatory topics such as dates, bodily functions, religion, politics, or your boss's totalitarian leanings.

When you reach your floor, exit the elevator quickly and completely. Do not linger to finish conversations with remaining passengers. Under no circumstances should you block the doors from re-closing, even if you have exited to the wrong floor (in this case, wait until the elevator departs, then press the call button again).

Well.. like I said... it's almost like rules of how you ought to be! Although have you sometimes noticed families talk to each other, and if say a mother is in there with another mother they may make contact. I guess it's like society rules. If you share something in common, you can feel able to talk, but if the people are strangers, face forward and be in your own world.

So much for being a social community aye? :)
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Usually, when people are on an elevator, they are just not interested in establishing eye contact or striking up a conversation with a complete stranger who will vanish into group anonymity at one of the next floors.

The same conduct is repeated on a busy street in a large city. People are just not interested in wasting their energy in interfacing with another anonymous being. They much prefer using that energy to interact and socialize with their long time friends and acquaintances.

I'm not saying that it's right. That's just the way it is.

Answer 3

When using this means of transport, we walk in, push a button, wait 10 seconds, then leave.

The short amount of time spent in an elevator doesn't warrant getting comfortable for the journey, and the turnover of people using it requires them to adopt the quickest method.

Thus, people face forward because it's the most efficient way of using an elevator - they are simply facing the exit.

Answer 4

they look forward staring at the numbers to avoid looking at other people and because they want to know when they are to get off. also maybe they are interested in how fast the elevator moves from one level to another.

Answer 5

Another thing to consider would be damage limitation, and avoidance of conflict.

If you don't risk a trigger of conflict, there can't be conflict. And no one wants that in a lift (no obvious exit while in transit).

Answer 6

Cad liked this question so much he is going to star it Brilliant !
The best thing to do is the old, but very funny Peters sellers gag make the following noise .........."Bruuuppphhh".... then look at the person next to you....

Answer 7

Cos they want to avoid any uncomfortable eye contact with anyone else. Just like when people make small talk to avoid uncomfortable silences.

Answer 8

In that situation people's body space is invaded by strangers and it makes them feel uncomfortable. For more information see:

http://members.aol.com/katydidit/bodylang.htm

Answer 9

If the lift contains an attractive woman, I will normally admire her and I assure you that I am not at all unimaginative.

Answer 10

I always wondered that myself.

I always just stand in the far corner, facing the wall.


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