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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.
Communications Psychology
|November 26, 2025
Summary
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.
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.
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