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  1. Home
  3. Facial Mimicry Predicts Preference.
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  3. Facial Mimicry Predicts Preference.

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Facial mimicry predicts preference.

Liron Amihai1, Elinor Sharvit2, Hila Man2

  • 1School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. liramic@gmail.com.

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|November 26, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Facial mimicry, the unconscious imitation of others' expressions, influences our choices. Mimicking positive emotions during social interactions increases the likelihood of selecting a preferred option, highlighting its role in preference formation.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Facial mimicry is crucial for social bonding and understanding emotions.
  • Previous research highlights the importance of nonverbal communication in social interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of facial mimicry in the formation of personal preferences.
  • To determine if facial mimicry influences choice selection in a social context.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred six participants in 53 dyads participated in a preference task.
  • Facial muscle activity was recorded using wearable facial electromyography (EMG) electrodes.
  • Participants listened to movie synopses and chose between them, with mimicry measured during speaker-listener interaction and while listening to a pre-recorded actress.

Main Results:

  • Facial mimicry of muscles linked to positive emotions correlated with a higher probability of selecting a synopsis.
  • Listener's choices were better predicted by speaker-listener facial mimicry than by individual facial expressions.
  • The effect of mimicry on preference was robust, persisting even when only smiling mimicry was analyzed with the pre-recorded actress.

Conclusions:

  • Facial mimicry plays a significant role in shaping preferences during social interactions.
  • Nonconscious mimicry, particularly of positive emotional expressions, influences decision-making.
  • Understanding facial mimicry offers insights into social bonding and emotional comprehension.