1 Part 3: Smiling Project 2 Effects of Smiling on Interpersonal Relationships Focus of the Article The article focuses on how people react to others while smiling. They stated that, regardless of gender, the participants smiled equally, with 50% of smiles coming from males and 50% from females. Additionally, they found that light smiles occurred more frequently than full smiles and lasted longer. The study showed that women tended to smile more often than men Krämer et al. (2013). Reading the article made me wonder if people were preoccupied, which is why they did not give more full smiles. The behavior of people, specifically Krämer et al. (2013) in social interactions, is a key point of psychological inquiry. When evaluating human communication, the article pointed out the different facial expressions, such as smiling, and their effect on relationships. Krämer et al. (2013) The authors also explored how people respond to the smiling behavior of virtual agents. The research sheds light on human interaction and provides information into the social cognitive processes involved in behaviors like smiling. The Research Question and Results of the Study Krämer et al. (2013) explore the impact of a virtual agent's smile on human interaction. The study's research question is whether humans reciprocate a virtual agent smile during human interaction, a phenomenon commonly observed in person-to-person communication. The research included 104 participants in the experimental study, which involved small conversations with a virtual agent and displaying varying levels of smiles. While the smiling behavior of the agent did not significantly affect its assessment by the participants, it influenced the smiling behavior of the participants. (Krämer et al., 2013). The Research Method Used and Clues in the Article The experimental design study method was used in the research between the subject's design. This technique involved manipulating the independent variable (Virtual smiles 3 frequency) and quantifying its impact on the experiment's dependent variable (participants' behaviors and evaluations). In this study, Krämer et al. (2013) randomly assigned the participants to various conditions (occasional, no, and frequent smiles) and assessed the results. The experimental design involves deliberate manipulation of the independent variable (smiling behavior of the agent), randomly assigning participants conditions, and quantifying the dependent variables via systematic observation and ratings. The authors used terms such as independent variables denoting the smiling conditions and gender, which implies it is an experimental design study. The Connections Between My Experience of Smiling at People for a Day Connecting the article of Krämer et al. (2013) Brings insights into human behavior in virtual interaction scenarios. The social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of the mental process, including memory, attention, and perception, in defining an individual's behavior. In the study's context, participants' reflection of the virtual agent's smiling behavior aligns with social cognitive theory because people are likely to imitate the behaviors of others modeled in virtual settings. According to social cognitive theory, another significant concept in the study is mutual interaction, a focal point in social dynamics. The research shows that individuals who are provided social cues, for example, smiles, in both face-to-face and virtual interactions, play a role in shaping human behavior. Based on my experiences of smiling at people during the day, I can draw connections to psychological approaches and behaviorism. According to behaviorism, the focus is on observable behaviors and their environmental variables that offer insights into the impact of my behavior (smiling) on other people's responses. I feel that I was able to provide positive social interactions and create a more friendly atmosphere at the YMCA when doing these projects. I also think I might have made connections by smiling with people throughout the day, which may have provided people at the YMCA to have better day. 4 Social Justice Actions to Help Community Members Smile at One Another Ensuring social justice and inclusiveness is vital for the long-term well-being of our community, where every individual should feel valued and respected. Over the next 50 years, it's crucial to take steps to address the systemic inequalities that disproportionately impact marginalized groups. This involves implementing policies that tackle economic disparities, combat racism, and promote diversity and inclusivity across various aspects of society. Personally, I can contribute to this effort by challenging stereotypes, amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, and fostering empathy in our interactions. Furthermore, college campuses and communities can catalyze change through activities like diversity training, inclusive programming, and community outreach. By creating an environment of acceptance and inclusivity, we can lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships and genuine connections among all individuals. Looking ahead, people must move beyond superficial judgments based on appearances and extend kindness to others, regardless of external factors. In today's society, many individuals are absorbed in their smartphones, often overlooking those around them. Therefore, I propose that we encourage more people to disconnect from their devices and actively engage with their surroundings. As a proactive measure, I could propose new club ideas on college campuses, providing opportunities for students to come together, connect, and form lasting friendships. Through these initiatives, we can work towards building a community where everyone feels valued, included, and appreciated. Conclusion In conclusion, the research discussed the impact of nonverbal cues like smiling. The authors highlighted how smiling reflects more profound issues in understanding and communicating by exploring strategies like evolutionary psychology and cognitive theory. 5 The study provided insights into why we smile and how it affects our relationships. Implementing social justice programs that promote empathy and inclusivity can lead to more positive community interactions. Individuals must embrace diversity and create a welcoming environment that fosters genuine connections and mutual respect. These steps are essential for building a society where everyone feels valued and included. We must move beyond superficial judgments and extend kindness to others, regardless of appearances. Encouraging people to disconnect from their devices and engage with their surroundings can help foster meaningful relationships. Additionally, introducing new club ideas on college campuses can allow students to connect and form lasting friendships. We should work towards a more friendly society by incorporating diversity and nurturing environments that encourage genuine connections. 6 Reference Krämer, N., Kopp, S., Becker-Asano, C., & Sommer, N. (2013). Smile and the world will smile with you—The effects of a virtual agent's smile on users’ evaluation and behavior. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 71(3), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2012.09.006
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