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It's not only how much people smile on a date that can matter.
A recent speed-dating experiment manipulated the timing of two people's smiles during live video conversations.
Participants didn't know their facial E×ρréššions were being subtly altered.
When the researchers made their smiles occur more closely together, participants reported greater romantic attraction toward each other.
Misaligned smiles produced less attraction by comparison.
The manipulation also influenced aspects of their vocal and behavioral synchrony.
So chemistry may partly involve tiny moments when two people naturally fall into the same emotional rhythm.
© Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024)