Study: Botox Users Have Trouble Reading Emotions in Others

TIME:

We all know that Botox injections paralyze facial muscles — which is why it’s used between the brows to iron out frown lines — and can therefore make users appear less emotional. Now a new study finds that the cosmetic toxin may also make recipients less able to read the emotions of others.

Social psychologists say we identify emotions in part by mimicking each other’s facial expressions. “When you mimic, you get a window into their inner world,” said lead researcher David Neal, a psychology professor at University of Southern California, in as statement. “When we can’t mimic, as with Botox, that window is a little darker.”

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