Influencing romantic decisions with real time smile transformations
Abstract
The study of dyadic social interactions often relies on either the recording of free conversations or on the use of
research confederates and scripted dialogs. On the one hand, the use of free conversations is useful to observe
the conversational dynamics and behaviours that are involved in specific tasks. However, these studies are only
correlational. On the other hand, experiments using scripted interactions or research confederates, are useful for
experimental control, but limited to their low ecological validity. In this talk, I will present a new research
paradigm, where we are able to manipulate participants’ facial expressions in real time using digital signal
processing algorithms. Specifically, I will present an experiment where we covertly manipulate participants’ smiles
in real time during a speed dating task. With this methodology, I will show how expressive alignment can
influence romantic decisions and social dynamics in freely interacting participants. I will argue that this new
methodology gives researchers the unprecedented ability to have high experimental control during free and
unscripted social interactions.