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Scientists Asked People to Fake Smiles. Something Unexpected Happened

Published by Newsweek · United States 9 h ago
Scientists Asked People to Fake Smiles. Something Unexpected Happened - Newsweek featured image
Scientists Asked People to Fake Smiles. Something Unexpected Happened - Newsweek featured image · Newsweek

Detailed summary

A fake smile could have notable impact on a person's happiness. Research has revealed when has a positive and negative effect.

A fake smile could have notable impact on a person's happiness, and a new study has revealed when it has a positive and negative effect.

The popular adage "fake it 'till you make it" has been proven to be effective—people who put a smile on their face even if it doesn't come naturally, do report feeling happier. However, the outcome has been found to be notably different when people are told or forced to smile repeatedly by someone else.

Researchers found that when people are instructed to smile—and when they face financial pressure to do so—they report feeling much less happy and instead, more angry.

The study lead, Nicholas Coles, a professor of psychology at the University of Florida, was inspired to investigate the difference further because of his personal experience in customer service.

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