The Evolution of Exploitation in Humans: ?Surrounded by Strangers I Thought Were My Friends?

The role of emotions in adaptations for exploitation

Emotion expression serves functions in exploitative resource-acquisition strategies that may not include relationship reciprocity. These include rendering victims more exploitable and signaling one's status as non-exploitable. A comprehensive theory of emotion expressions must explain their role in adaptations for exploitation, as well as evolved defenses against those pursuing a strategy of exploitation.