Humans are social creatures, but most of our social cues aren’t explicitly stated, instead they come form body language and facial expressions. Facial expressions are gestures made with facial muscles as a way of nonverbal communication. A microexpression “is a brief, involuntary facial expression that is shown on the face of humans according to the emotions that are being experienced. Unlike regular pro-longed facial expressions, it is difficult to fake a microexpresssion” (Humintell 2016). Microexpressions can occur as fast as a twenty-fifth of a second.
The Study of Facial Expressions
The Importance of Micro Expressions
Studying facial expressions allow us to be more empathetic with others, have a better understanding of mental health, build better relationships, etc. Paul Ekman has had a fundamental role in the study of micro expressions. He now has a website dedicated to workshops to teach others about the importance of micro expressions, such as, teachers and police officers. His work has lead to a better understanding of human emotions and how to convey and understand those emotions.
Through his work with micro expressions Ekman began working with the Dalai Lama in 2008 on a book called Emotional Awareness. This work led to the development of the Atlas of Emotion, which provide a look into our most basic emotions (the atlas can be found at http://www.paulekman.com/atlas-of-emotions/).
Paul Ekman and the Dalai Lama have also worked on a project called Global Compasion which has webisodes of conversations between the Dalia Lama and Ekman. The first webisode of the series is below and the rest can be found at http://www.paulekman.com/webisodes/.
The series Lie to Me and the movie Inside Out are some of the work influenced by Paul Ekmans research.
