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I got busted by a stranger because I did not pick up after my dog after she pooed along the beach shoreline. I could say I didn’t notice it but to tell you the truth, I was hoping no one else saw and the tide would unobtrusively carry the offending evidence away.

We behave differently in private and in public. When we know we are being watched, we are unlikely to practice undesirable habits like excavate our noses or or litter in public.


A Watchful Eye for Better Habits

In 1984, an enterprising Thai socialite, Khunying Chodchoy in cooperation with Systainability Asia came up with an ingenious icon to instill environmental awareness amongst Thais. It was called the Magic Eye. The eyes were supposed to that of a typical Thai ghost who would be able to “see” anyone littering. It simulated the feeling of being watched and true enough fewer people were littering and public areas became cleaner.

It was a perfect way to get improve civic-mindedness in Thailand. The eyes had an omnipresence, always watching to see if people were respecting nature and generating good karma for themselves.

Similar campaigns have been launched elsewhere around the world using variations of “the all-seeing eyes.” Campaign posters featuring watchful eyes have been extremely effective, resulting in fewer bicycles being stolen, more canteen trays returned, even more public toilets being flushed!

Positive Behavior for a Better World

Studies show that if people think they are being watched, they act more ethically, more nobly than if they did behind closed doors. Notice how close circuit televisions are an effective deterrent for thievery, highway speeding, violence in public places.


When committing a questionable act, people hate being named and shamed. They hate getting caught in the act. In Singapore, for instance, not only have to pay up to $5000 for their offence, they risk having their picture being published on the front page of the national newspaper. A complete “loss of face!”

The effectiveness of “The Magic Eye” lies in its simplicity and our innate desire to be accepted by our peers. It is a cheap and easily adaptable intervention that encourages pro-social behavior. Schools, for instance, could consider installing “Magic Eyes” to prevent unwanted behavior such as bullying, aggression and disrespectful behavior. Offices, could have “Magic Eye” icons on computers to reduce “social surfing” on the net.


Who’s Watching You?

On the beach where my canine buddy and I walk, the Kamala Green Club along with several other concerned residents have revived the “Magic Eye” signs. I am pleased to say that I carry a doggy poo bag every time I walk Ms. Fido.


Next time you catch yourself doing something questionable, imagine that someone is watching you. You may think twice about committing the act and may even start to break undesirable habits that you thought didn’t affect anyone else but yourself.

What you do matters, it just takes a pair of eyes to make you see.

Lead image source: D. Garding/Flickr