Understanding the Pseudoscience of Body Language: A Critical Look
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Body Language Misconceptions
Recently, I settled in with my girlfriend to view the Netflix documentary "American Murder" about Chris Watts. While the content was indeed disturbing, it led me to reflect on a recurring frustration: the surge in popularity of body language analysis, particularly following Watts' heinous actions. Many discussions have already been had about the tragic events, but the elevation of body language reading to a credible practice is what truly concerns me.
This phenomenon mirrors the flawed science behind polygraph tests, which also lack substantial evidence. Despite the millions of views garnered by body language videos, I urge you to reconsider their validity by the end of this discussion.
As a skeptic, I find it troubling that channels such as Derek Van Schaik attract massive viewership promoting this pseudoscience. Additionally, a new "expert" on YouTube named Believing Bruce has emerged. Initially, I thought the belief in these so-called experts was harmless, but I now recognize the significant repercussions of misunderstanding body language as a legitimate science.
The Derek Van Schaik video on Chris Watts has amassed over 31 million views and has been monetized, suggesting he profits from this misleading content. However, the financial gain is not my primary concern; rather, it's alarming that Human Resources departments are using this video as a training tool.
A friend’s relative holds a position as a regional HR manager for a large corporation. I won’t reveal the company’s name, but it employs thousands across the nation, and HR plays a crucial role in investigating serious allegations such as harassment and discrimination. These critical matters are being influenced by the teachings of someone with no credible background in the field.
Chapter 2: The Real-World Impact of Misguided Beliefs
As I pondered the implications, I considered how many individuals watch these body language channels and believe they can discern deception in those close to them. This reliance on pseudoscience can lead to misunderstandings and even the dissolution of relationships. Imagine a friendship or partnership dissolving over misguided beliefs about body language.
While I may not change everyone’s perspective, I hope to demonstrate that robust evidence supporting body language reading is lacking. Drawing from works like "Not Born Yesterday" by cognitive scientist Hugo Mercier, "How Emotions Are Made" by neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, and "Everything is Obvious Once You Know the Answer" by Duncan Watts, I will explore the deficiencies in the science of body language.
Section 2.1: The Myths Surrounding Body Language
The scientific basis for body language is fundamentally flawed. One often-cited study illustrates our incompetence in interpreting these signals. Mercier dedicates a chapter of his book to the complexities of reading body language, referencing the work of psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman, who has conducted extensive research on gestures and expressions in relation to emotion and deceit.
Ekman's research underscores that the subject is far more intricate than merely assigning meanings to gestures; it becomes apparent that many content creators on platforms like YouTube have not adequately researched this area.
In her book, "How Emotions Are Made," Barrett clarifies common misconceptions about emotions. She highlights the biological and cultural factors that complicate our ability to interpret them accurately. For instance, certain cultures discourage the display of specific emotions, and some individuals are raised to conceal their feelings. Many who experience mental health struggles can expertly mask their true emotions, leaving others oblivious to their internal battles.
Subsection 2.1.1: The Role of Hindsight Bias
One of my favorite reads is Duncan Watts' "Everything is Obvious Once You Know the Answer." The book tackles the concept of hindsight bias, which leads us to believe we knew outcomes all along, despite lacking sufficient information beforehand. When engaging with body language analysis, particularly videos like those from Van Schaik, it’s evident that hindsight bias plays a significant role.
In the case of Chris Watts, he was arrested on August 16, 2018, while Van Schaik released his video on December 15, 2018. If body language were a legitimate science, one would expect law enforcement to achieve greater accuracy in arrests and convictions.
Beyond hindsight bias, body language channels often manipulate viewers through confirmation bias. They tend to align with popular narratives, reinforcing existing beliefs rather than challenging them. This is problematic as it can lead to false accusations against innocent individuals based on unreliable interpretations.
Section 2.2: Case Studies in Body Language Misinterpretation
For instance, Van Schaik has produced videos regarding Ellen DeGeneres, collectively attracting over 700,000 views, reinforcing the prevailing narrative against her. However, a particularly troubling example is his video on James Charles, which has over 1 million views. In this case, Van Schaik used body language to claim Charles was dishonest following a viral controversy. Yet, Charles later provided substantial evidence supporting his truthfulness, and even Tati Westbrook issued an apology for her false claims.
Unfortunately, Van Schaik has yet to retract his unfounded accusations, and there appears to be no accountability for such actions. The term "witch hunt" is often misapplied, but it’s essential to recognize the harm caused by these pseudosciences, which mislead the public into believing that nonverbal cues equate to guilt or innocence.
Chapter 3: The Allure of Pseudoscience
While channels like Van Schaik’s promote a pseudoscience with real-world consequences, it’s vital to address why we fall prey to such beliefs. I posit that this attraction stems from a desire for control over our understanding of human behavior.
Would you prefer to live in a world where body language could reliably indicate deceit, or one where the tragedy of Chris Watts could unfold unnoticed? The hope that we can identify liars leads us to embrace pseudoscience, often resulting in the wrongful persecution of innocent individuals.
Consider the HR manager I mentioned earlier. What if they misjudged an employee's claims of workplace discrimination based solely on their body language? This misinterpretation could lead to wrongful accusations and significant repercussions for those involved.
A more profound concern is highlighted by the Innocence Project, a nonprofit dedicated to exonerating the wrongfully convicted. To date, they have assisted in the release of 375 individuals through DNA testing, with 21 of them having faced death row. It’s sobering to think how many were convicted due to flawed interpretations of their body language.
While some may view body language videos as mere entertainment, I hope to encourage a more critical examination of this pseudoscience. It is deeply concerning that these channels gain immense popularity while perpetuating unfounded accusations based on pseudoscientific principles.
For those interested, you can find more about my journey on social media at The Rewired Soul, and I encourage you to check out BetterHelp for affordable online therapy services, which supports mental health.