Story perspectives

Longer Apologies Boost Perceived Sincerity, Study Reveals

9/15/2025

24 5

Summary

Story summary

A study in the British Journal of Psychology shows that longer apologies are perceived as more sincere.
Researchers, led by Dr. Shiri Lev-Ari from Royal Holloway, University of London, tested three versions of similar apologies.
Longer apologies received more favorable reactions.
Celebrity apologies averaged five times longer than typical tweets, while non-celebrities' were twice as long.
The findings emphasize the role of language in conveying genuine remorse.

1 of 1

Story summary

A study in the British Journal of Psychology shows that longer apologies are perceived as more sincere.
Researchers, led by Dr. Shiri Lev-Ari from Royal Holloway, University of London, tested three versions of similar apologies.
Longer apologies received more favorable reactions.
Celebrity apologies averaged five times longer than typical tweets, while non-celebrities' were twice as long.
The findings emphasize the role of language in conveying genuine remorse.