After watching the case study and reading the script about the facial feedback theory, reflect on how you feel. Did you realize that none of the images showed angry faces? Why do you think you viewed only pictures of smiling people, and what effect do you think it was meant to have on you as the viewer? What do you think would occur if you were asked to view the case study again, this time using a mirror to mimic the faces you saw on screen? (Site 1)

1 answer

Reflecting on the facial feedback theory and the case study, I find it intriguing how the emotional expressions we perceive can influence our feelings and behaviors. The absence of angry faces in the images presented might have been a deliberate choice to evoke positive emotions and promote a sense of well-being. By showing only smiling faces, the creators likely aimed to create a positive viewing experience, encouraging the viewer to mirror those emotions and potentially induce feelings of happiness or contentment.

The effect of viewing images of smiling individuals can lead to an automatic response, where our own facial expressions may subconsciously adjust to match the positivity we see. This aligns with the facial feedback hypothesis, which posits that our facial expressions can influence our emotional experiences. Thus, seeing smiling faces could enhance feelings of joy or warmth, making the viewer more receptive to the content being presented.

If I were to view the case study again while mimicking the expressions of the smiling faces I saw, it would likely amplify the intended effects. Engaging in a physical representation of the smiles, such as smiling back at myself in the mirror, could further reinforce positive emotions. This mirroring could not only enhance my mood but also deepen my engagement with the material, making the overall experience more impactful.

In summary, the strategic use of smiling faces in the images plays a crucial role in shaping the viewer's emotional response. Adding the act of smiling in front of a mirror could create a feedback loop, heightening feelings of happiness and demonstrating the powerful interplay between facial expressions and emotions.