Who Can Be Fooled? Modeling Facial Impressions of Gullibility

The success of acts deceit and exploitation depends on how trusting naïve (i.e., gullible) targets are. In three preregistered studies, using both theory-driven data-driven approaches, we examined people form impressions gullibility based targets' facial appearance. We find significant consensus in impressions, suggesting that have a somewhat shared representation what gullible person looks like (Study 1, n = 294). Gullibility is different cues than trustworthiness or dominance they constitute dissociable stereotypes 2, 403). Examining wide range features, are primarily resemblance to an angry expression. also young, female, smiling individuals were seen as more 3, 209). These findings suggest linked low levels perceived threat.