The Aporia
The Aporia
Allen, V. (2026, September 27). Greeting a stranger with a hug rather than a handshake could make them like you more, study claims. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16164927/Greeting-stranger-hug-handshake-make-like-you-study-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Allen, Victoria. “Greeting a stranger with a hug rather than a handshake could make them like you more, study claims.” Daily Mail, 27 Sept. 2026, https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16164927/Greeting-stranger-hug-handshake-make-like-you-study-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490.
Allen, Victoria. “Greeting a stranger with a hug rather than a handshake could make them like you more, study claims.” Daily Mail, September 27, 2026. https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16164927/Greeting-stranger-hug-handshake-make-like-you-study-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490.
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A study by 18 researchers from the Department of Psychology at the University of California San Diego found that greeting strangers with a hug can increase likability compared to just a handshake or no physical contact. The study involved 330 strangers, who were asked if they wanted to see holiday pictures after being greeted in one of these three ways. Among those hugged, 76 percent agreed to look at the photos, while only 52 percent from the non-hugged group did so. Professor Karen Dobkins, a senior author of the study, suggests that human touch triggers evolutionary feelings of safety and warmth, potentially making strangers feel more positive toward you if you hug them.
