Smiling Faces Trigger Mimicry, and Make Us Trust Them More

Summary: People instinctively mimic others’ facial expressions, but new research shows we do this far more with joyful faces than with sadness or anger—and that the intensity of mimicry predicts…

Brain Circuits Show Why Friends’ Lies Are Easier to Believe

Summary: Researchers explored how people process deception from friends versus strangers, using brain imaging to study decision-making in gain and loss contexts. Volunteers were more likely to believe lies in…

Why People Trust Those Who Grew Up With Less

Summary: New research reveals that people are more likely to trust others who grew up in lower-income households than those from privileged backgrounds. Across multiple experiments, participants consistently showed greater…

Listening Builds Trust, But Stories Change Minds

Summary: A new study challenges the widely held belief that high-quality, nonjudgmental listening is essential for persuasion. While good listening improves how people feel about a conversation and reduces defensiveness,…

How Large Social Circles Foster Trust

Summary: A new study challenges the belief that larger groups reduce cooperation, showing instead that flexible social connections enhance teamwork. Researchers found that in a prisoner’s dilemma game, participants in…

Genes Play a Key Role in Trust

Summary: Genetic factors account for approximately 33% of the variation in trust levels between individuals, highlighting the heritable nature of this crucial social trait. The research utilized data from twins…