Mirror Neurons and the Facial Feedback Hypothesis

     When we were previously discussing observational learning, we learned that we observe and imitate others. What was perhaps the coolest element, at least to me, is that we have mirror neurons, located in the brain's frontal lobes, that demonstrates a neural basis for observational learning. Essentially these mirror neurons explain the element of how humans have empathy for others. The mirror neurons fire when we perform certain actions, such as responding to pain or moving our mouth to form words, or when we observe someone else performing those actions.
    A similar concept is the facial feedback hypothesis, which proposes that expressions amplify our emotions by activating muscles associated with specific states, and the muscles signal the body to respond as though we were experiencing those states. While it differs from mirror neurons, it is similar in that it explain that when we mimic other's actions, a similar neural and emotional reaction occurs within our body. In the facial feedback hypothesis, when we simulate the facial expressions normally associated with happiness, we may feel happier. Similarly, the behavior feedback hypothesis assumes that if we move our body as we would when experiencing some emotion, we are likely to feel that emotion to some degree. The human brain is absolutely incredible in that it can mimic others reactions and literally feel empathy for others.