When we’re solving problems or weighing options, we like to think we’re being rational and objective. But our brain is constantly absorbing emotional signals from the people around us, and those signals shift how we evaluate risk, opportunity, and urgency.
Consider the following professional scenario: you're staring at a spreadsheet trying to decide between two software vendors when your colleague walks in, visibly frustrated from a tense client call. Within minutes, you feel your own chest tighten and suddenly that straightforward decision feels overwhelming and risky.
Your emotions didn't change because of the spreadsheet. They changed because emotions spread between people like a cold, and analysis of 277 articles suggests this often happens through facial expressions and real-time interactions.
Research examining emotional spread patterns indicates that positive emotions tend to spread quickly in a single wave, while negative emotions spread more slowly and can persist longer. This matters because a colleague's anxiety about a decision can linger in your thinking long after they've left the room.
The effect intensifies in group settings. You unconsciously mirror others' expressions, which then triggers the associated emotions in yourself. That's why brainstorming sessions can either energize everyone toward creative solutions or spiral into collective pessimism.
So, now that we’re aware of this, how do we leverage it?
Before making important decisions, check your emotional baseline. If you just came from a stressful conversation or scrolled through negative news, pause. Your risk assessment is likely skewed toward caution or avoidance.
When solving problems with others, notice the emotional tone of the room. If someone's frustration is spreading, acknowledge it directly: "I can feel the tension here, let's take five minutes before we continue." Breaking the contagion loop helps everyone reset.
Choose your decision-making environment deliberately. If you need creative problem-solving, surround yourself with optimistic, energized people. If you need careful risk analysis, avoid spaces where anxiety is running high.
One study of social-media reactions suggests negative emotions spread rapidly during crisis events, so be especially careful about consuming disaster news right before making choices. Your brain will overweight worst-case scenarios.
You start recognizing when your "gut feeling" about a decision is actually someone else's anxiety or enthusiasm that you've absorbed. And once you see it, you can decide whether to trust it or wait until you're in a clearer emotional space.
Did this resonate with you? Forward it on to someone who could use it too. These insights are better when shared.
Cheers,
Alex
Disclaimer: I'm a curious researcher, not a licensed psychologist. I study these concepts because I believe understanding how our minds work can help us navigate life more effectively. This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal guidance. Individual results may vary, and readers should use their own judgment when applying these concepts.