Khan Academy
It’s not just about being “nice” or “loving yourself.” Lookism is real—people treat you better if you’re good-looking, and it affects everything, from dating to job opportunities. That’s just how society works. We can’t ignore the fact that how you look matters—a lot. Telling people to focus on self-love might sound good, but it doesn’t change the fact that attractive people get more opportunities and are seen as more valuable in society.Yeah, I have to say I was surprised to receive a Khan Academy email with the subject line "What Makes You Attractive." I know this is all scientific and part of an extremely interesting lesson on physical attractiveness. I find it genuinely intriguing, truly. However, since we're dealing with students and teachers, and given the society we live in, it isn't appropriate to have that as the headline (though it is very catchy). So many students suffer from insecurity (why do you think the beauty industry is as huge as it is?). While they may see this email and think it's a scientific lesson, some, if not many, will suffer because they have low self-esteem. It's unfortunate but true. I've felt this way, and I know my younger sister feels this way—deep down inside. I'm glad she doesn't receive these emails and that we are working on self-love and appreciation.
As a young person, I've come to discover that true attractiveness (get ready for a cliché comment) comes from the heart of a person (no way—mind blown, right?). Their mind, their morals, their personality, their goodness—or lack thereof—are all the things that ultimately attract or repel people, no matter how your physical appearance is.
I know this video is only about physical attractiveness and isn't about finding your mate
The solution isn't to shy away from the idea of physical beauty (it is a very real thing, I mean, we all have eyes, come on) but to further promote true attractiveness and real beauty. Sure, mention physical beauty, but further emphasize—by a greater extent—the far more important issue: the beauty and attractiveness of the heart.
Anyway, enough of this preachy rant. Just saying, I truly appreciate Khan Academy and all you do. You helped me with AP Statistics, and I am very grateful.
Ignore science theory.
Yea, I think women like pretty boys, not ultra masculine men, but those pretty boys still have attractive masculine traits like a square jaw and a prominent brow ridge.At around
1:20
, about the part (and this is an approximation of what she said) "women are attracted to men with more masculine characteristics, and men are more attracted to females with more feminine characteristics", What about homosexuals? Also, I know many people who prefer more 'feminine' looking guys?
Did you just ignore the video? It literally said things like symmetry and clear skin are attractive for people.
At least there was this high IQ comment
:
Daniel Tackett
10 years ago
Posted 10 years ago. Direct link to Daniel Tackett's post “If average is beautiful t...”
If average is beautiful then why do men's and women's magazine covers always have people people that are in no way average asthetically?
Answer Daniel Tackett's post “If average is beautiful t...”•Comment on Daniel Tackett's post “If average is beautiful t...”
Shawn Mann
10 years ago
Posted 10 years ago. Direct link to Shawn Mann's post “When it comes to body typ...”
When it comes to body type, you are correct - the magazine covers feature people that are vastly different from the average (super skinny or fit or whatever else). But in this video they are talking specifically about average facial features, and one thing to remember is that average in this sense doesn't necessarily mean most common. Most people do not have the "average" nose - some people's noses are larger or smaller, pointier or more rounded. But the average basically takes away extreme. So the average face (not the most common) has features that are not too big, not too small, not too wide or narrow, basically each feature is, as Goldilocks would put it, "just right". These "just right" features are what the video argues are attractive, and what many magazine cover faces are closer to.
Also the video says this:
Universally Attractive Traits
0:21–0:31Traits like youthfulness, skin clarity, smoothness, and body symmetry are universally considered attractive across different ethnic and racial backgrounds.
Gender-Specific Traits
0:31–0:48- For women: Full breasts and a low waist-to-hip ratio are universally attractive.
- For men: A muscular chest, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist (V-shaped torso) are considered attractive.
Importance of Facial Attraction
0:51–1:00Facial attraction is more important than body attraction. Universally attractive facial traits include:
- For women: A high forehead, small chin and nose, high cheekbones, and full lips.
- For men: A strong chin, jaw, cheekbones, and a long lower face.
Sexual Dimorphism
1:20–1:37Men are typically attracted to strong feminine characteristics, while women are drawn to strong masculine traits. High levels of sexual dimorphism (distinct male and female traits) are considered attractive.
Averageness in Faces
1:40–2:40Averageness is universally attractive, which challenges the assumption that unique traits are more appealing. Research by Judy Langlois used "face morphs" (averaging multiple faces):
- Faces created by averaging more individuals (e.g., 32 faces) were rated as the most attractive.
- Averaged faces across different groups were surprisingly similar, suggesting a stable prototype for attractiveness.
Influence of Situational Factors
3:39–4:25One study showed that a woman was deemed more attractive with a red background than with a white background, despite being the same person.
Physiological Arousal
4:31–6:13Unrelated physiological arousal can influence perceptions of attractiveness.
For example:
- Participants who crossed a high, narrow bridge rated a photo of a woman as more attractive than participants who walked on the ground.
- The sympathetic arousal (e.g., heart racing) from the bridge was misattributed to the photo.
- Practical takeaway: To increase attraction, consider exciting date activities like going to an amusement park.
