About Side Eye
Our Mission and Purpose
Side Eye exists to document, explain, and celebrate one of humanity's most universally recognized nonverbal expressions. We created this resource in response to the explosion of side eye culture in social media, memes, and everyday communication. As the term migrated from African American Vernacular English into mainstream usage around 2013, we recognized the need for a dedicated space that honors its cultural origins while exploring its broader social and biological significance.
Our goal is to provide accurate, well-researched information about side eye that goes beyond surface-level meme culture. We examine the expression from multiple angles: its psychological impact, its cultural variations across different societies, its appearance in animal behavior, and even its medical considerations. By taking this comprehensive approach, we help visitors understand that side eye is far more than just a funny look—it's a sophisticated form of communication that reveals deep truths about human social behavior and nonverbal interaction.
We believe that understanding nonverbal communication like side eye helps people navigate social situations more effectively. Whether you're trying to interpret someone's expression, considering whether to use side eye yourself, or simply curious about why this particular look has become so culturally significant, our content provides the context and information you need. We maintain strict standards for accuracy, citing peer-reviewed research, government health resources, and academic studies whenever possible.
The Side Eye project started as a passion for understanding how digital culture transforms and amplifies existing human behaviors. The internet didn't invent side eye, but it gave this ancient expression a name, recognition, and viral reach that has made it a defining feature of contemporary communication. Our FAQ section addresses the most common questions people have about side eye, while our home page provides comprehensive information about its various forms and contexts.
| Content Area | Primary Focus | Target Audience | Information Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Origins | AAVE roots and mainstream adoption | General public | Deep historical context |
| Animal Behavior | Side eye in pets and wildlife | Pet owners, animal lovers | Behavioral science |
| Medical Information | Eye conditions and medication effects | Health-conscious visitors | Medical accuracy |
| Social Usage | Appropriate contexts and etiquette | Social media users | Practical guidance |
| Meme Culture | Viral moments and internet impact | Internet culture enthusiasts | Entertainment + education |
Our Approach to Content and Research
Every piece of content on Side Eye is created with careful attention to accuracy and cultural sensitivity. We recognize that side eye originated in Black culture and has been appropriated into mainstream usage, often without proper attribution. We make a point of acknowledging these origins and treating the cultural context with respect. Our research draws from academic sources including psychology journals, behavioral science studies, and linguistic research about nonverbal communication patterns.
When discussing medical topics related to eyes and vision, we rely exclusively on authoritative sources like the National Eye Institute, FDA documentation, and peer-reviewed medical journals. We understand that visitors searching for terms like 'Dupixent eye side effects' or 'side effects of eye dilation' are looking for health information, not just cultural commentary. We take this responsibility seriously and clearly distinguish between the social expression of side eye and medical conditions affecting eye positioning or movement.
Our animal behavior content is informed by veterinary research, animal behaviorist expertise, and ethological studies. We explain why certain breeds like Chihuahuas are particularly expressive with side eye, what 'whale eye' means in dog training contexts, and how cats use peripheral vision differently than humans. This scientific grounding helps readers understand that animal side eye isn't just anthropomorphization—these animals are genuinely communicating through their eye positioning and facial expressions.
We continuously update our content as new research emerges and as side eye culture continues to evolve. Social media platforms introduce new ways of expressing and discussing side eye, from emoji variations to video filters that enhance or exaggerate the expression. We monitor these trends while maintaining focus on the fundamental human behavior that underlies all these digital variations.
| Source Category | Examples | Purpose | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical authorities | NIH, FDA, NEI | Health information accuracy | Quarterly review |
| Academic journals | Psychology, behavioral science | Scientific credibility | Ongoing monitoring |
| Cultural sources | African American Vernacular English, sociology | Cultural context | Continuous |
| Veterinary research | Animal behavior studies | Pet and wildlife content | Semi-annual |
| Social media data | Platform statistics, trends | Contemporary usage | Monthly |
Looking Forward: The Future of Side Eye Culture
Side eye shows no signs of disappearing from our cultural vocabulary. If anything, the expression has become more entrenched as younger generations grow up with side eye as a named, recognized behavior rather than just an unnamed glance. The emoji representation ensures that side eye will persist in digital communication even as platforms and technologies change. We expect to see continued evolution in how side eye is deployed, interpreted, and discussed across different communities and contexts.
The intersection of side eye with artificial intelligence and digital avatars presents interesting questions for the future. As virtual reality and augmented reality become more prevalent, how will side eye translate into digital spaces? Will avatars and digital representations capture the nuance of the expression? These technological considerations will likely become increasingly relevant as more human interaction moves into virtual environments.
We're particularly interested in tracking how side eye culture develops in different countries and linguistic communities. While the English term 'side eye' has spread globally through social media, different cultures have their own traditions of sideways glances and indirect expressions of judgment. The interplay between these local traditions and the globalized concept of side eye creates fascinating cultural dynamics that we plan to explore in future content updates.
Our commitment remains constant: to provide the most comprehensive, accurate, and culturally informed resource about side eye available online. Whether you're here to understand a meme, research animal behavior, check medical information, or simply appreciate the complexity of human nonverbal communication, we're dedicated to serving your informational needs with quality content that respects both the subject matter and our visitors' intelligence.