Why do we mimic? A predictive account for automatic mimicry

Abstract

Automatic mimicry, where social animals mimic the emotional expressions of others, is a well-documented phenomenon. While research has extensively examined how being mimicked influences our perceptions of others, the fundamental question of why we mimic remains largely unexplored. This perspective paper aims to separate the evolutionary purpose and adaptive significance of mimicry from its observed outcomes. While theories often link mimicry with social bonding, there are direct benefits for the mimicker and we argue that the primary function of mimicry is not of social nature. By reviewing existing literature, we propose that mimicry serves as a mechanism to predict other individuals, enhancing survival and well-being by facilitating environmental prediction. We endorse a shift towards understanding mimicry as a mechanism that minimizes prediction error, empowering individuals to navigate their surroundings more effectively. Embracing mimicry as a tool for self-preservation and environmental prediction opens new avenues for interdisciplinary research in comparative psychology and behavioral ecology.