Strange Facial Expression Facts
They Last Less Than a Second
Micro-expressions flash across the face in just 1/25th of a second—far too fast to fake and often unnoticed by the untrained eye.
They Reveal True Emotions
Even if someone tries to hide their feelings, micro-expressions leak what they’re really experiencing—fear, anger, sadness, or joy.
Seven Universal Emotions Exist
According to psychologist Paul Ekman, micro-expressions reflect seven universal emotions: happiness, anger, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, and contempt.
They’re Hard to Control
Unlike fake smiles or staged reactions, micro-expressions are involuntary—your brain reveals emotion before you can stop it.
Eyes React Before the Mouth
Micro-expressions often begin in the eyes—watching pupil dilation and eyelid shifts can reveal truth even when the mouth smiles.
Training Can Improve Detection
With practice, people can learn to spot micro-expressions—used in law enforcement, therapy, and negotiation to read hidden emotions.
Cultural Differences Fade Here
While gestures vary by culture, micro-expressions are the same worldwide—showing our shared emotional wiring as humans.