Professor Joshua Paul Dale, at Chuo University in Tokyo, told National Geographic that we seek out cuteness for a simple reason: “Because it feels good!”
“The perception of cuteness attracts our attention very quickly—within 1/7 of a second—by triggering a response in the orbitofrontal cortex, the pleasure and reward network of the brain. This fast neural activity seems to be followed by slower appraisal processes that elicit caregiving behavior, decrease aggression, and activate networks involved in play, empathy, and compassion.”
According to Dale, people’s responses to cuteness go beyond selfish pleasure.
“Feeling the desire to protect, care for, and play with a cute baby or animal, even if it’s only an image on our social media feed, encourages empathy and compassion. Cuteness makes us human.”
Human beings are hardwired to enjoy cuteness. In a nutshell, seeing cute things relaxes us, triggers positive emotions, and makes us feel happy and pleased.
However, depending on your current mood, life experiences, and even cultural background, you might find different things to be cute (or not!).
“The visual appeal of cuteness often triggers positive emotions, making us feel relaxed and happy. Psychologically, these cute features often lead to feelings of affection and a desire to engage with them in a playful way,” neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, told Verywell Mind.
Furthermore, there is likely an evolutionary explanation for why people are attracted to cute things, too.
“Looking at this through the lens of evolution, our attraction towards features that are considered ‘cute’ such as smaller noses, larger eyes, and rounder faces are signals to summon caregiving. This is due to a need to protect and nurture weak offspring which ensures the survival of the species,” explains Michael S. Valdez, MD, who has a background in neurology.
In short, many of the features associated with cuteness are also linked to human babies. Basically, when you enjoy cute things, you are being driven by your very innate human desire to nurture and protect young members of your own species.
Some of the main qualities of cute beings and things include childlike features like a large head, a small body, large and round eyes, and round cheeks. There should be an overwhelming sense of softness and roundness. And yet, that’s not the full picture.
There’s some individuality at work when it comes to perceiving something as cute (or not), too. Your life experiences and even current mood can shape your understanding of cuteness as much as your culture.
Furthermore, your emotional and personal connections with individuals and objects can allow you to see something as cute even if others don’t share your opinion.
