GREENSBORO, N.C. — Netflix’s hit show “Bridgerton,” a historical romantic drama set in London, has left many fans wanting a second season of their favorite characters. 

And interestingly, many fans are mimicking British accents. This got us thinking about the reasons people adopt accents from watching a TV show.

Adopting accents or “wandering accents” happens more often than you might think and it’s not only TV shows and movies, but also from people they know and places they’ve visited such as north or south or other countries.

Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, psychologists Chartrand and Bargh, found that people subconsciously adopt the mannerisms, behaviors including accents to assimilate with their current environment. This is called the “chameleon effect” – a chameleon changes color to adapt to its environment. 

This is the same phenomenon that I talk about with body language – to increase likability, rapport, trust – people will mirror body language. Some people adopt accents for fun because they’re enjoying the show. 

Also, some people might adopt accents for understandability, in situations like in a foreign country where you might adopt the accent because it increases understandability with native speakers.

Although wandering accents might happen subconsciously, it might not always be perceived well. Speaking in accents can either come across as sincere or insincere depending on intent. 

Making fun of someone is obviously insincere and would be considered offensive. 

Additionally, there have been a few celebrities under fire for wandering accents. Take, for example, a recent controversy with Hilaria Baldwin, Alec Baldwin’s wife. It’s alleged that she’s faking a Spanish accent and a Spanish heritage.

Share your thoughts on my Facebook page: Blanca Cobb – Body Language Expert. Write a message on my timeline and I’ll get back to you. While you’re on my page, I’d appreciate it if you give my page a “like”.

ELON, N.C. — It's always heartbreaking when a pet gets lost or runs away.

The Elon Police Department is getting the word out to help reunite a family with their lost pup.

Poppy got away from her owners on Saturday, April 12 on Minneola St. in Gibsonville, police said.

Volunteers with the Humane Society are working to trap her.

If you see her, police are asking you not to try to capture or feed her yourself and to call or text this number instead: 336-562-1193.

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NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Meet Folly!

She is the latest addition to the group of horses at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and was born on April 1.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund says Folly has been closely monitored for the last 10 days. The veterinarian at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has been consulted to ensure Folly is healthy, and “all seems well.”

Baby horses, also known as foals, can consume up to 25% of their body weight in milk every day and can gain between one to three pounds daily, according to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

Look at these pictures of Folly!

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