A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reveals that subtle facial expressions significantly impact how trustworthy a person appears, whereas perceptions of competence are more influenced by immutable facial structures. Conducted by researchers at New York University, including lead author Dr. Jonathan Freeman, the study highlights the profound effect of facial cues on social judgments.
The researchers discovered that faces exhibiting features resembling a happy expression—such as upturned eyebrows and a slight smile—are generally perceived as more trustworthy. Conversely, faces with features akin to an angry expression—like downturned eyebrows—tend to be viewed as less trustworthy. These perceptions are based on dynamic facial musculature, which individuals can consciously adjust to some extent.
In contrast, judgments about a person’s competence or ability are predominantly influenced by static facial features, particularly bone structure. For instance, individuals with wider faces are often perceived as more competent and capable. These structural attributes are largely unchangeable, making it challenging to alter such perceptions through facial expressions alone.
Dr. Freeman explains, “Our findings show that facial cues conveying trustworthiness are malleable, while facial cues conveying competence and ability are significantly less so. The results suggest you can influence to an extent how trustworthy others perceive you to be in a facial photo, but perceptions of your competence or ability are considerably less able to be changed.”
