A study published in the scientific journal Brain , by doctors Harma Meffert and Valeria Gazzola, brought to light the “mirror system”. This is the ability to tune into the emotions of others using "mirror neurons". These neurons are present even in people who are considered “psychopaths” and who are convicted criminals.

However, this empathy is usually brief, deliberately timed, and has a specific purpose. In reality, it’s not empathy at all.

People who use instrumental empathy are often extremely charming . Their goal is to convince the people around them that they really care for them.

Some key characteristics are:

• They demonstrate cognitive empathy. In other words, they watch someone’s behavior, e...