Which of these is true about social signals?

A. They are always clear and obvious.

B. Only peers send them to each other.

C. They tell you everything you need to know.

D. They may have different meanings across cultures.

Answer

The correct answer is D. They may have different meanings across cultures.

Explanation:

Social signals are forms of non-verbal communication that convey information about emotions, attitudes, or social dynamics. These signals can include gestures, facial expressions, body language, and even social media interactions.

A. They are always clear and obvious. This statement is false because social signals can often be ambiguous or misinterpreted depending on the context and the individuals involved. Not all social signals are clear, and their meanings can vary widely.

B. Only peers send them to each other. This statement is also false. Social signals can be sent between individuals of different social hierarchies, such as superiors and subordinates, or between people of different ages and backgrounds.

C. They tell you everything you need to know. This is misleading because social signals do not provide complete information. They can provide clues or hints regarding social interactions, but they do not convey all necessary information about a situation.

D. They may have different meanings across cultures. This is true because social signals, such as gestures or eye contact, can have different interpretations in different cultural contexts. What is considered a friendly gesture in one culture might be seen as disrespectful in another. This highlights the complexity and variability of social signals in global interactions.

Thus, option D accurately captures an important aspect of social signals.