Why Do We Smile?

October 12, 2022

A smile doesn’t always mean someone is happy. Research shows that humans smile for many different reasons. So while a smile can certainly reflect happiness and contentment, it can also convey other emotions and can even be done socially without much real emotion behind it.

So why exactly do we smile? The answers aren’t quite as simple as you might think.

To Express a Positive Emotion

When we have an emotional response to a person, situation, or thought, we may smile. The smile generally only lasts for a few seconds at the most, but it can encourage others to smile back or even affect our own mood.

Smiling signals to the brain that we are happy, which can release endorphins, which make us feel happier, which fuels a kind of reward loop of being happy, smiling, and then experiencing more positive emotions [1] .

To Communicate With Others

Although a positive emotional response is a common reason for a smile, the emotion doesn’t necessarily have to be positive. People may smile to put people at ease, to appear friendly, and even to convey embarrassment [2]. Some people may even smile to show fear or submission [3].

When people see someone smiling, they use the smile as a way to interpret someone else’s intentions, disposition, or even attractiveness, while also using this information to determine how they should respond to a particular person or situation. This can help people accurately gauge the safety or context of a situation and respond appropriately.

To Diffuse Tension and Create Trust

Humans smile primarily in social situations, namely because smiling can help diffuse tension, show others we are friendly, and maybe even convey to others that we are content or happy even though we don’t actually feel these emotions. Smiling can also be an effort to control or influence someone’s perception of us.

We may be seeking a relationship, trying to make connections, or feel uncomfortable in a particular social setting, so smiling may help smooth things over and help us feel better, giving us a mood boost in the process so we can start smiling genuinely [4].

Other research shows that people in countries with higher immigration diversity tend to smile more. Why? Because while these people may not speak the same language or have the same norms, smiling is a non-verbal way to express positive intentions and trust, making everyone feel better [5].

How Often Do You Smile?

Smiling has been shown to have a positive influence on your mood and even your immune system, making it more than just a social gesture or a way to express feelings. How often do you smile, and why? Finding more reasons to show off your smile may just improve your life and connections with others!