Axiomempiricalv1
Emotional contagion is an automatic, pre-conscious
Emotional contagion is an automatic, pre-conscious neurological process by which people mimic and absorb others' emotional states through facial expressions, vocalizations, postures, and movements.
Why This Is an Axiom
This is a foundational empirical claim grounded in Hatfield et al.'s research on emotional contagion mechanisms. It describes a basic neurological reality that cannot be derived from other claims — it is the bedrock phenomenon on which boundary practices are built. The automaticity and pre-consciousness are key irreducible features.
Source Lessons
L-1281
Not every emotion you feel is yours
Emotional contagion means you absorb emotions from people around you.
L-1286
Physical proximity and emotional contagion
The closer you are to someone physically the more you absorb their emotional state.
L-1296
Emotional boundaries with media
News and entertainment are designed to provoke emotions — consume deliberately.