AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The chameleon effect refers to nonconscious mimicry of the postures, mannerisms, facial expressions, and other behaviors of one’s interaction partners, such that one’s behavior passively and unintentionally changes to match that of others in one’s current social environment.

Detailed explanation-2: -They mimic and mirror your movements If a person likes you, they will spontaneously mimic your physical postures and gestures. This “affiliative mimicry” is an ancient evolved process rooted in the brain’s Mirror Neuron System.

Detailed explanation-3: -Also called unintentional mirroring, the chameleon effect usually applies to people who are getting along so well, each tend to mimic each other’s body posture, hand gestures, speaking accents, among others. This was confirmed by the Chartrand and Bargh experiments.

Detailed explanation-4: -Bargh, two psychologists who were the first to explore the phenomenon, very empathetic people are more likely to imitate others than people who aren’t. When a person is truly empathetic, they pay more attention and form deeper connections with the person they are interacting with, which makes them more likely to mimic.

Detailed explanation-5: -Such a “chameleon effect” may manifest itself in different ways. One may notice using the idiosyncratic verbal expressions or speech inflections of a friend. Or one may notice crossing one’s arms while talking with someone else who has his or her arms crossed.