Stuff You Should Know The Science of Cute
Jan 14, 2021
Dive into the fascinating world of cuteness! Discover why baby beavers and pandas send our hearts racing. Learn how exaggerated features in characters like Mickey Mouse shape our emotional responses. Unpack the strange allure of 'cute aggression'—why do we feel a twinge of aggression toward something adorable? Explore cuteness's profound impact on human behavior, from marketing strategies to parenting, and even its role in societal beauty standards. This quirky discussion blends science and fun, appealing to the inner softy in all of us!
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Mickey Mouse's Transformation
- Mickey Mouse's evolution demonstrates the power of 'kindchenschema'.
- His features became rounder and larger, increasing his appeal.
Kindchenschema
- Conrad Lorenz's 'kindchenschema' identifies traits that evoke a positive response.
- These traits include a large head, big eyes, and chubby cheeks.
Cuteness and Helplessness
- Cuteness correlates with helplessness at birth in the animal kingdom.
- Altricial species, born helpless, are cuter than precocial species, born ready to fend for themselves.