In this article, we will delve into the distinctions, providing valuable insights on recognizing authentic smiles and tips for spending more time with a genuine smile adorning your face.
How to Identify a Fake Smile vs. a Genuine Smile
Fake smiles often lack symmetry and typically involve only the mouth, neglecting the engagement of the eyes. In contrast, Duchenne smiles, scientifically denoting genuine smiles, encompass the entire face and exhibit symmetry.
Genuine smiles involve the eyes.
A genuine (Duchenne) smile activates both the muscles controlling the corners of the mouth and those causing the eyes to crinkle. A forced smile primarily engages only the muscles around the mouth.
Key indicators of a genuine smile include:
- The mouth is smiling (with or without teeth showing).
- Raised cheeks.
- Squinting eyes.
- Wrinkles beneath the lower eyelid.
- Emergence of wrinkles in the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
- Slight downward movement of eyebrows.
Forced smiles are characterized by a smiling mouth, but with disengaged eyes and cheeks. Researchers have provided images illustrating a genuine smile on the left and a fake smile on the right.
Genuine Smiles Naturally Subside
Psychologist Paul Ekman 2 points out that genuine smiles naturally “fade out.” Unlike fake smiles, which abruptly cease, genuine smiles gradually diminish. Joy doesn’t switch on and off like a toggle switch; it lingers, offering warmth until another emotion takes its place.
An example of a forced smile being abruptly turned off is demonstrated by Mark Zuckerberg in this video: https://youtu.be/eqdN9hGzHmM
Symmetry in Genuine Smiles
False smiles result from conscious efforts to activate specific facial muscles, whereas genuine smiles occur spontaneously, making the muscles move on their own. This distinction is evident in the symmetry differences:
- Genuine smiles tend to be symmetrical, with both sides of the face equally expressive.
- Fake smiles, on the other hand, often exhibit asymmetry, with one side more engaged.
Fake Smiles and Emotional Mixing
Similar to how one cannot merely cover up a foul odor, attempting to conceal another emotion with a smile leads to a blend of expressions. When feeling fearful, for instance, the forehead tends to wrinkle. Masking fear with a smile results in a mixture, with the microexpression of fear accompanying the smile. This leaves observers perplexed and uneasy.
Genuine smiles portray a unified expression throughout the face, eliminating confusion caused by mixed emotions. In contrast, fake smiles present a lower face that appears to smile while the upper half exhibits different expressions (wrinkled forehead, wide-open eyes, or a furrowed brow).
The Telltale Signs of Genuine and Fake Smiles
Researchers conducted a study 3 revealing our ability to detect genuine smiles even over the phone. Participants excelled at identifying Duchenne smiles compared to non-genuine or suppressed smiles. If unsure about the authenticity of a smile, trust your instincts.
- Genuine smiles evoke feelings of joy, lightness, and ease.
- Fake smiles generate mixed emotions, uncertainty, or discomfort.
The Benefits of Smiling
Now equipped with tools to distinguish genuine smiles, let’s not overlook the advantages of showcasing your own beautiful smile:
– Smiling is good for your health: It reduces heart rate and aids stress management. Genuine smiles, coupled with laughter, can lower blood pressure 4.
– Smiling might contribute to longevity: Studies at Wayne State University 5 found a correlation between intense smiles on baseball cards and longer life spans (up to seven years).
– Smiling enhances your social image: People perceive smiling individuals more positively 6. Celebrities and unknown individuals who smile are consistently rated higher on a coolness scale.
– Smiling boosts your mood: A comprehensive study 7 involving over 11,000 participants worldwide concluded that smiling brings happiness to the moment.
5 Tips on How To Smile More
Convinced of the benefits of smiling, let’s explore some tips to elevate your smile game:
- Clarify your smile triggers:
– Identify memories or images that bring a smile to your face. Keep these mental images as your smile ammunition and summon them whenever you want to smile 8.
- Find funny media:
– Make time for comedy shows, funny movies, or entertaining content that induces laughter 9 10.
- Seek out smiley people:
– Spend time with friends who exude positivity and laughter. Laughter is contagious, and surrounding yourself with smiley people can uplift your spirits 11. https://youtu.be/ydAyvvDQrgY
- Try laughter yoga:
– If you lack a group of funny friends, explore laughter yoga. Studies confirm its stress-reducing benefits 12.
- Cultivate a resting-smile-face:
– Make smiling your default expression. Use sticky notes as reminders and practice seeing the good in people as you walk around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genuine Smiles
What is a genuine smile called?
A genuine smile is called a Duchenne smile, named after the French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne. It reflects genuine happiness and is often infectious to others.
What are the characteristics of a genuine smile?
A genuine smile, or Duchenne smile, involves the entire face, affecting not only the mouth but also the eyes. It is symmetrical and causes skin beneath the eyes to wrinkle, creating “crow’s feet.” Genuine smiles fade out naturally and gradually.
What causes a genuine smile?
A genuine smile is caused by joy, love, warmth, or other positive emotions. It is a spontaneous response to happiness, positive experiences, or thoughts, reflecting one’s inner state of joy.
How do you genuinely smile?
To genuinely smile, focus on memories or images that bring joy or laughter. Spending time with joyful people or engaging in activities that induce laughter can stimulate genuine smiles.
How to tell if a smile is genuine?
Signs of a genuine smile include the involvement of the eyes, gradual fading of the smile, and symmetry. Genuine smiles evoke feelings of joy and comfort in others.
What does a smile symbolize?
A smile symbolizes happiness, joy, social harmony, and openness for connection. It fulfills our basic need for belonging.
What is the key feature of a genuine smile?
The key feature of a genuine Duchenne smile is the involvement of both the mouth and the eye area. “Crow’s feet” wrinkles and the gradual fading of the smile are significant indicators.
Why is a smile so powerful?
A smile is powerful because it reflects inner joy, influences others positively, and offers numerous health benefits. It reduces stress, fosters social connections, and may contribute to a longer lifespan, making it a potent social and emotional tool.
Takeaways on Genuine Smiling
In situations where detecting a smile might be ambiguous, remember these differences between Duchenne (genuine) smiles and fake ones:
- Genuine smiles activate eye muscles, while fake smiles do not.
- Genuine smiles fade gradually; fake smiles cease abruptly.
- Genuine smiles are symmetrical; fake smiles tend to be asymmetrical.
- Genuine smiles convey a single emotion; fake smiles may mask emotions showing in the upper face.
- Genuine smiles evoke a light, joyful feeling; fake smiles may lead to confusion.
While it’s valuable to assess others’ smiles, it’s equally crucial to cultivate genuine smiles within ourselves. Here are some tips:
- Recall thoughts or memories that bring genuine smiles and revisit them regularly.
- Make time for humor by attending comedy shows or watching funny movies.
- Prioritize spending time with friends who frequently smile and laugh.
- Explore laughter yoga if you lack a group of smiley friends.
- Make smiling your default expression by using sticky notes as reminders and practicing seeing the good in people as you go about your day.
I hope this provides a comprehensive understanding of recognizing and fostering genuine smiles! If you’d like to practice your smiling form, this guide might offer useful tips on how to smile.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356968/
- https://www.paulekman.com/blog/science-of-smiling/
- https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18255131
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2762283/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319645445_Does_Smile_Intensity_in_Photographs_Really_Predict_Longevity_A_Replication_and_Extension_of_Abel_and_Kruger_2010
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180412102928.htm
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190412094728.htm
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080111224745.htm
- https://quotefancy.com/quote/791034/Dalai-Lama-XIV-I-don-t-take-myself-too-seriously-That-makes-me-happy
- https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/horace_152478
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780665/full
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9254653/
