>[!abstract] >The unconscious mechanism by which humans tend to look away (usually up and to the side) in situations of cognitive load (e.g., when trying to visualize or remember something). >[!example] Additional references >- [Hikaru Nakamura thinking about chess moves](https://youtu.be/FkBNgYmdjRw) >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Nonverbal communication]] >- **West** (similar): [[Eye contact avoidance]] >- **East** (different): [[Mutual gaze]] >- **South** (downstream): [[Cognitive load regulation]]