00:00 Perhaps you've encountered someone with an eerie smile and others with soul-penetrating
00:05 stares.
00:06 Brace yourself, because we're about to reveal the alarming body language signals that turn
00:11 what can seem to be an ordinary encounter into a frightening experience.
00:17 Researchers from the University of Minnesota used a computer-animated 3D facial tool to
00:22 determine how people perceived different types of smiles.
00:25 The volunteers were shown photographs of people smiling in different ways, and then they were
00:30 asked to rate the smiles based on how they perceived them using terms like "fake"
00:34 or "genuine" and "creepy" or "pleasant."
00:37 The study figured out that smiles that were too wide and upturned, with a lot of teeth,
00:43 was creepy.
00:44 However, the creepiest smile of all was the "V" shaped smile.
00:48 Also people felt weirded out by smiles that did not sink in 125 milliseconds on both sides.
00:55 The eyes do the talking.
00:57 According to a study by psychologist Nicola Benetti and colleagues, a normal gaze consists
01:02 of initiating eye contact with the other person and then glancing away after 3.3 seconds.
01:08 However, the gaze can cross into creepy territory when it's longer or shorter than 3.3 seconds.
01:14 Uncomfortable feelings are the outcome of an unspoken social standard, not a physiological
01:20 response.
01:21 Throughout history, people have learned and adhered to a social standard for the duration
01:26 of mutual gaze.
01:27 Our instincts tell us 3 seconds seemed like the right amount of time to stare, much like
01:32 we innately know how strong our grasp should be when shaking hands with others.
01:37 Unwanted touch.
01:39 Imagine being in a crowded party with lively music.
01:42 You find yourself in the center of a crowd having a conversation with someone you hardly
01:45 know.
01:46 Then suddenly the person leans too close for comfort, constantly touching you and their
01:52 fingers stay longer than necessary on your arm.
01:56 Psychologist Dr. Ronald Ruggio explains that unwanted, excessive, or inappropriate touch
02:01 can be creepy.
02:02 For example, someone who awkwardly strokes certain parts of your body with either excessive
02:07 or slight pressure.
02:10 Face touching from a stranger can also be unsettling as opposed to shoulder tapping.
02:14 Blading.
02:16 Physical investigator Vanessa Van Edwards describes blading as a nonverbal cue to threaten
02:21 or intimidate.
02:22 You can see this position during a boxing competition where one of them leans forward
02:27 and the other does a blading stance.
02:29 The stance involves pulling their shoulders and moving their dominant leg backward.
02:34 This position also allows the opponent to only view and get the side of the body, which
02:39 is important to protect the vital organs.
02:41 When a person turns their torso away, it creates a barrier between themselves and others.
02:46 It's a closed off stance that may cause the other person to feel alienated or unwanted,
02:51 adding to the general feeling of uneasiness and creepiness.
02:55 Sneering.
02:56 Have you ever encountered a stranger who often wears a sneer on their face?
03:00 Paired with a piercing stare, you can't help but feel a chill down your spine.
03:05 In the book, the definitive book of body language, body language expert Alan Pease explains that
03:10 aggression or hostility can be shown by sneering.
03:13 When a person sneers, their upper lip curls and their eyes narrow, which indicates confrontational
03:18 or aggressive expressions.
03:20 This body language can create an uneasy feeling or threat.
03:24 Being aware of our own body language can help us create a respectful and welcoming environment.
03:29 In order to build trust, empathy, and understanding, we should recognize the potential creepiness
03:34 of certain body language signals.
03:36 When you know these signals, you can be more cautious when you're facing someone who exhibits
03:40 them, especially when your intuition tells you to stay away.
03:43 Did you find this video helpful?
03:45 Do share in the comment section the creepy body language signals that you notice in yourself
03:51 and others.
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