Facial expressions?

Question

We smile, grin, growl, laugh etc with our faces for different reasons to express ourselves, did we invent these actions, or are they part of our genetic make up, were they inherent in us when we were pre-human and are animalistic traits.

Answer 1

It is just a natural impulse when you feel a certain emotion, like if you're happy you don't scowl, it's just natural!

Answer 2

Most facial expressions (and inherent fears, for that matter) have some genetic component but that doesn't mean everyone has them to the same extent. You know how some anxious people grind their teeth? That's been related to certain monkeys who, having exhausted all their other ways to protect themselves, must resort to a lethal bite. They're sharpening their teeth. There are tons of examples. But culture does change the meaning of certain things. (In this country when you smile and nod, it pretty much means you understand. In some Asian countries, women, in particular, smile and nod to be polite - it has nothing to do with understanding.

Answer 3

i believe we have the facial reactions because he inherited them from our animalistic traits. even chimps have a big grin on their face and clap when he see something that entertains them or they think is funny. they even laugh.....well they dont make the HAHAHA like we do but they make more of a panting sound.

Answer 4

They are evolved.  Some other primates "smile" as well.  Smiling in particular serves to help infants to survive - they're nothing quite so charming as a smiling baby, and charming babies get better-quality care.  Babies begin smiling as early as a few weeks old, and it apparently works pretty well.

Answer 5

Facial expressions are an evolved, human universal, but rules of display can vary by culture.

Answer 6

Some facial expressions are pan-cultural.  It doesn't matter where you go in the world, these expressions are the same, and mean the same thing.  These appear not to have been learned (as culture is) so we can assume they are part of being human.  Examples are laughter for joy, frowning in anger, crying in sadness and expressions of pain and fear.  However, there are some expressions that are culturally relevant.  Their meaning changes with culture.  Raised eyebrows, for example, can mean mild surprise in one culture, interest in another, or "yes" in another culture.  (Mmm, I wonder what facial expression this answer has put on your face...)