Why do some people fake emotions?

* To gain social advantage. People may fake emotions to make themselves seem more likeable, trustworthy, or competent. For example, a salesperson might fake enthusiasm to make a customer more likely to buy a product.

* To avoid social consequences. People may fake emotions to avoid being ostracized or punished. For example, someone working through grief may fake emotions during a meeting to avoid the emotional discussion with colleagues.

* To regulate their own emotions. People may fake emotions to try to change the way they are feeling. For example, someone who is feeling anxious might fake happiness to try to calm themselves down.

* To manipulate others. People may fake emotions to get others to do what they want. For example, a child might fake sadness to get their parents to buy them a toy.

* Mental illness. Some people may fake emotions as a result of mental illness. For example, people with schizophrenia may experience delusions or hallucinations that cause them to express emotions that are not genuine.