This is a fascinating subject, and I was amazed to learn more about it. Oxytocin is often associated with love, romantic relationships, and the attachment between babies and their parents, but it’s also relevant in broader social interactions — even with strangers. Oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” is released in real-life social experiences, but our bodies also produce it during virtual engagements.
Studies suggest that video content can stimulate oxytocin production in viewers, especially when it features:
- Eye contact or a full-face view with visible facial muscle movement
- Warm expressions
- Authentic communication, such as a simple, easy-going attitude or mentality (nothing harsh, fake, or pretentious)
Why is this important in the medical domain? To foster trust. You’ll find amazing insights into the biology of trust and social connection in an article titled “Oxytocin Increases Trust in Hhumans”, a collaborative work by several scientists (link in the description). It discusses the biology of bonding and how oxytocin plays a role in the connection between service providers and those who receive the service.
When you watch a professional give solid advice or show care on video, you release oxytocin, and your brain creates a subconscious bond with that individual. What does the neuroscience of visual content tell us? Neuroimaging research has found that watching a speaker’s face and body language also triggers the release of oxytocin, facilitating feelings of rapport and trust.
For health professionals, understanding oxytocin is key because trust isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a chemical process.
– Written by your host Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 