ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mirror neuron

Mirror neurons are special neurons in our brain that help us to understand other people's actions and feelings. They help us to imagine what other people are feeling and what they are thinking even if we can't see it. They do this by copying the action or feeling of the other person; so, if the other person is feeling sad then the mirror neuron will make us feel sad too. When we watch someone smile, these special neurons make us smile too. Mirror neurons help us to connect and understand each other better.