Unbewusste Nachahmung

Like chameleons, people blend in with their social environments. Without intention, individuals, as well as other social species, can alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby. This phenomenon is known as nonconscious mimicry.

In this case, the imitations occurred automatically, without a direct personal connection or awareness. These “automatic” behaviors do not demand the same level of cognitive processing as mindful thinking does. Synchrony is a way to respond and fit into the social world, involuntarily.

Thankfully, not all behaviors are copied. In general, human imitation is selective and related to actions that are more relevant to the perceiver’s current state. For example, while running, the woman may more easily display the positive facial expressions and body postures of her confident running partner.

Such instances of empathic mimicry are why people’s moods may appear linked—simply by observing happy people, the delightful mood becomes contagious.