People tend to behave more cooperatively and prosocially when they believe they are being watched.

Studies show that subtle cues of being observed, such as pictures of eyes or the belief that someone is watching, can increase honesty and generosity. This phenomenon, called the 'audience effect,' suggests that the sense of being watched influences social behavior by encouraging people to signal good reputation. It also affects where people look and how they interact socially, highlighting the deep psychological impact of surveillance on human conduct.