Overview of the four-stage mask training procedure (MTP) using White facial images (A). Panel B presents racial identification scores for the test and control groups in Experiment 1. Means (blue/red) with standard error (SE) bars are shown as strip charts. P ≤ 0.001; n.s., not significant.
Credits: Science.org
One of the most compelling studies I've read recently examines the extent of an "ingroup bias", or how our brains "fire" empathy more quickly with those within our own racial/ethnic group than those outside of that group. This has been accepted by social psychologists and a core assumption of multiple race-related theories.
For years, we thought the ingroup bias was deeply rooted within human nature; however, this groundbreaking research published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science indicates we are much MORE flexible with respect to our empathy filters than we have previously been led to believe.
Our ability to "rewire" our empathy filters becomes clear from this research wherein various participants were presented with a remarkably innovative and creative experiment called Mask Training.
In mask training, participants wore a 3D facial mask of another racial group and looked at their reflection in a mirror or digital screen of their mirrored image for approximately 10 minutes while following guided movements. Because these masks were specifically designed to reflect 3D movements created by all facial expressions, the mask created a sensory illusion of ownership over the face mask.
The researchers found that during this experience there was a change in how people identified themselves racially. Individuals who wore a mask reported more strongly identifying with the race of the face displayed on the mask.
After the experiment, the researchers noted in the brain scan a significant increase in the self-identity regions of the participants' brains. Participants actually began to see the face in the mask as being their own, and because of this, their interaction with individuals from different race(s) yielded significantly more empathy than before mask training took place.
Additionally, mask training created behavioural changes in multiple ways, including an increased likelihood of participants donating money/other resources to individuals from different racial/ethnic backgrounds.
The research strongly shows that when you alter your self-perception, it fundamentally can change the way you engage with the world around you.
Reference:
Mei, S., Deng, Y., Zheng, G., & Han, S. (2025). Reducing racial ingroup biases in empathy and altruistic decision-making by shifting racial identification. Science Advances. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt6207
