Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D.: Understanding Human Facial Expression | Self-Improvement Atlas #68

Have you ever thought about how much your face says without you speaking a word? From a simple smile to a raised eyebrow, your facial expressions play a huge role in how you understand others—and how they understand you. But what you might not realize is that these expressions don’t always mean the same thing around the world. In this episode, Erika invites you to explore how emotions are shown through the face, how culture affects that, and why your own expressions can even shape how you feel inside.

Meet Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D

Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D., leads the field in studying facial expressions and human emotion. She brings over 30 years of hands-on experience with the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and actively trains professionals in medicine, law enforcement, entertainment, and digital arts.

As the principal protégé of FACS creator Paul Ekman, Erika plays a key role in advancing how people understand and study emotions. Her research spans psychology, social interactions, and the link between emotions and health.

Beyond her scientific work, Erika dedicates herself to helping people live with more compassion and peace. She co-created the Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) program at Stanford and actively teaches compassion practices at The Compassion Institute and The Nyingma Institute in Berkeley.

She speaks at Google, guides meditation at Zen centers, and presents at Burning Man—all with the goal of reducing suffering and deepening human connection. She also writes widely, including What the Face Reveals and a well-known psychology textbook, which make the science of emotion more accessible to everyone.

About the episode

When you think about emotions, you might picture yourself smiling when you’re happy or frowning when you’re upset. But your facial expressions can carry different meanings across cultures.

Some emotions, like happiness or sadness, show up universally. However, the way you express them often depends on where you’re from. Erika shares that some cultures encourage open emotional displays, while others expect more restraint. This helps you stay open-minded when interpreting facial cues. What seems like anger or sadness to you could signal something entirely different elsewhere.

You might not realize it, but you often mirror people’s facial expressions. This automatic behavior is called mimicry, and it happens when you subconsciously copy someone else’s facial cues.

For example:

• You might smile back at someone even if you’re not in a great mood.
• If someone frowns or looks scared, you may suddenly feel tense too.

Facial expressions also help you build relationships. But not everyone shows feelings in the same way. For example:

• One friend might cry when they’re upset, while another might go silent.
• Someone might look angry but actually feel nervous or embarrassed.

That’s why you sometimes misread how others feel. It’s also why staying aware of your own expressions matters. Your face can affect how others treat you, even if you don’t realize you’re making a certain expression.

You’ve likely seen how social media and selfies influence facial expressions. Many people now practice their “best” look for the camera, even if it doesn’t reflect how they truly feel. Botox plays a role too—it smooths wrinkles but also limits movement. That restriction can make it harder for others to read your emotions and might even dull your own feelings. So while looking polished matters, moving your face naturally helps you connect on a deeper emotional level.

In conclusion

Facial expressions might feel automatic, but they play a powerful role in how you connect with others. Each look you share—whether a smile or a frown—carries emotional meaning. Becoming more aware of those subtle signals can help you strengthen your relationships. So the next time you catch yourself smiling or frowning, take a moment to notice it—you’re speaking a silent language that everyone understands in their own unique way.