The chameleon effect, also known as mirroring, is a behavior in which one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern or attitude of another, often in the company of close friends or family and typically going unnoticed by either party. It is distinct from conscious imitation, a deliberate, overt effort to copy someone, and it can positively shape how people perceive one another, helping build rapport since displaying similar nonverbal gestures can lead two people to believe they share similar attitudes and ideas. The behavior appears as early as infancy, as babies begin to mimic the people around them and build a sense of empathy and connection with others' emotions through it.
Facts
Core ClaimMirroring, or the chameleon effect, is a behavior in which one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of PhenomenonSocial or Interpersonal Phenomenon 1 Sources
1. Mirroring (psychology), Wikipedia
Lead section, paragraph 1
Mirroring, or the chameleon effect, is a behavior in which one person subconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another.
References, citation 1
Chartrand, T. L.; Bargh, J. A. (1999). The chameleon effect: The perception-behavior link and social interaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 76 (6): 893-910.
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
Mirroring often occurs in social situations, particularly in the company of close friends or family, often going unnoticed by both parties.
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