Believe it or not, there are actually benefits to imitation. While doing tasks that require you to imitate another person, it likely makes you develop your perceptual abilities. Motor involvement is key when it comes to imitation and most of the time we do not even realize that we are imitating. Whether it be learning a new dance, new language, or even a new sport, we are always using imitation.
I found interesting how the book states we favor those who imitate us. The example provided in the book "when GPS driving directions are conveyed by a voice that matches your own vocal emotion, you're less distracted than if provided directions by a voice not matching your emotion." We don't realize we're being mimicked but find comfort in the familiarity.
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