Chapter 1: Understanding Fake Smiles

Fake smiles are more common than we might realize. They often convey hidden messages, sometimes even saying, "I don't like you."

On February 22, 2011, an article in The New York Times titled "A Fake Smile Can Be Bad for Your Health" by Anahad O’Connor discussed a study observing bus drivers who were required to maintain courteous interactions through forced smiles.

These drivers were chosen for their frequent public engagement, which necessitated polite reactions, often repetitively.

Initially, I viewed courtesy smiles as benign. I considered them simple gestures of kindness. However, I now define a fake smile as one that lacks genuine emotion and is instead forced.

The researchers studied the effects of “surface acting,” or fake smiling, versus “deep acting,” where one genuinely smiles by recalling positive thoughts. Brent Scott, an assistant professor at Michigan State University, noted that the study revealed forced smiles negatively impacted the drivers' moods. When drivers suppressed their true feelings, it intensified their negativity. Conversely, when they engaged in deep acting by fostering pleasant thoughts, their spirits lifted.

Interestingly, the study also indicated that men were less impacted than women, possibly due to societal expectations that encourage women to express emotions more openly—thus hiding feelings may lead to greater stress.

Therefore, it appears that the less authentic your smile, the more likely your mood will suffer as you conceal discontent.

On the same day the article was published, Dr. Claudia Welch shared her insights in a blog post titled "Fake Smiling is Bad for You (As Well As Irritating to Me)." She suggested cutting out fake smiles whenever possible.

Do you think that each forced smile slightly diminishes our overall happiness?

Chapter 2: The Art of Smiling for the Camera

Smiling for a camera can feel unnatural for many. Personally, I struggle to produce a smile on cue, often trying to conjure pleasant thoughts beforehand. While this sometimes works, it often does not.

Interestingly, this may not classify as a "fake" smile since it serves the purpose of creating a positive outcome for the audience of the photograph.

The science of smiling is fascinating. Photography Concentrate notes that our faces can produce over 10,000 different expressions, which can be overwhelming!

How often do you find yourself putting on a fake smile at work? Do you genuinely feel excited about the day ahead, or are you simply going through the motions?

When given a task, do you flash a fake grin and say, “Sure, happy to help,” while feeling quite the opposite? If so, you might be masking your true feelings, which could also influence your work performance.

Despite being a decade old, the research highlighted in the previous article remains relevant. It raises timeless questions: Why do we pretend to be happy when we smile?

According to an article titled "Fake Smiles Are Bad for You & Here’s Why" by Heather Fishel, published on October 27, 2014, genuine smiles trigger positive emotions, sending signals to the brain’s left anterior temporal region. This activates two muscle groups: the cheeks, which lift the corners of the mouth, and the eyes, which create smile lines.

People may opt to smile to avoid burdening others with their own unhappiness. Other motivations for fake smiles include respect or nervousness, particularly if someone is trying to be polite in uncomfortable situations.

Recognizing a fake smile is often easy; many have experienced it themselves. When you catch yourself smiling insincerely, take a moment to reflect on the reasons behind it.

In the first video, "Nevv - Fake Smiles (One Take)," we delve deeper into the emotional undertones of forced smiles, exploring how they reflect our inner feelings.

The second video, "Phora - Fake Smiles [Official Music Video]," visually illustrates the theme of authenticity in expressions, prompting viewers to consider the true meaning behind their smiles.