What is the reason for 'people watching'?

Question

I was with a guy at a public place and noticed him looking around quite often. He termed it 'people watching' and it seemed like an ingrained habit.

What is the reason for habitual 'people watching'? Also, it's one thing to people watch if you are alone, but isn't it unusual to do so if you have company and they don't share the interest? Is watching from a distance more appropriate than watching someone who can notice that they are being watched, possibly making them uncomfortable? Can it be used as an excuse to check out people from the opposite sex?

Would like some opinions on this activity from watchers as well as non-watchers. Thank you for your responses.

Answer 1

There is a certain "fascination" involved in people watching, and, your right, an "ingrained habit. People are there, in front of you, so for whatever reasons, you watch them. People who like to people watch, watch for many reasons, like, how are they different than me? How are they the same? Does the expression on their face reveal how they are feeling? Do I feel safe around these people? etc....

There's a game children play where you look at a person and imagine what kind of person they are, what kind of job they have, are they rich, poor, etc...

I agree with you, it could be potentially awkward and even rude for someone to people watch when the person(s) they are with aren't into people watching. Or staring at people that are physically close.

No doubt people look at others and "check them out" to see if they may be attracted to them.

Answer 2

Actually, I really don't have a reason for people watching when I do it. I was at the mall the other day waiting for my wife to come out of some store and while I was doing that I watched people go by. I think people would get uncomfortable watching them closely. Yes, it can be an excuse to watch the opposite sex. But that's not why I do it.

You can often observe some thing going wrong or right.

So I guess I really don't have a good answer.

Answer 3

I love to people watch. People are wonderful and beautiful and everyone has something to add that's unique to the world. Yeah, some do it just to lust but that doesn't make it bad it makes what they are doing bad. Sometimes after walking in the mall my friends and I just sit and we appreciate watching others. I am an artist and I find so much inspiration. I don't stare I look and move on appreciating the kaleidoscope of people and what they offer to this world. It also helps in not being so judge-mental or closed minded. Have a blessed day and what an interesting question! Peace.

Answer 4

Us humans are some interesting people. I've sat on a bench several times in downtown Philadelphia and just observed the mannerisms of people, the way they interact with others, the things they do when they think no one is paying attention. It's very interesting.

Answer 5

http://www.communicationpractices.org/Examples-PeopleWatching.htm

This is a very interesting site that talks about why people watch people. I also believe in some cases, it involves obsessive compulsive behavior as well.

Personally I watch people. They amaze me the way they look. I laugh because I see people out there and they wear clothes that they obviously think look good, and can't imagine why they think that...lol. I also observe attitudes, as in the woman that walks around thinking her poop don't stink. People are very interesting subjects...about as varied as the number of people themselves.

Answer 6

Basically identical and likewise to aid encourage my lazy however to be taught to attract anime and manga so i will be able to create my possess fact :D BQ: Same as anime. BTW i without doubt hate it while the anime regularly differs from the manga >:(

Answer 7

Somebody's watching you right now.