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WHAT KIND OF people did you think were hot a decade ago? Has it changed much? (If you can remember that far back…).
The internet is changing what we find attractive, according to new research by scientists at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Take a look at these pictures. Which person do you think is more attractive?
And again, which person is more attractive?
If you went with the person on the left on both cases, you’re not alone: the researchers found that people who have access to the internet prefer more ‘masculine-looking’ men, and women who are thinner and ‘more feminine’.
The psychologists said that the internet and the media push portrayals of certain types of attractiveness, citing the recent film Noah, in which Russell Crowe played the male lead and Jennifer Connelly played the female lead.
It is the first time that researchers have compared the facial preferences of people with internet access to those without access in the same country. Participants were asked to choose between photographs of people of different weights and with typically masculine or feminine features or ones that were markedly lower.
Researchers found participants who had access to the internet almost exclusive preferred the faces that the internet might suggest are more attractive. However non-internet users found feminine men and masculine, heavier women more attractive.
“One possibility for the difference is the level of media exposure: people with internet access are more exposed to the media (adverts or websites), which promotes the beauty ideals of muscly men and thin feminine women,” said psychologist Carlota Batres, who led the study.
Another possibility is that the findings may be influenced by the economic circumstances in El Salvador, where they carried out the study. When income and access to food is uncertain, “heavier women may be better equipped to survive and reproduce and therefore preferences for heavier women could be adaptive,” said Professor David Perrett of St Andrews.
So there you go. It might explain why Ryan Gosling is generally considered attractive now but wouldn’t have been back in 1994. Possibly.
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I used to get compliments all the time back in the 1980s, but I never get any now.
This must be the reason.
Awe poor Jim, maybe it’s because you’re 30 years older.
Don’t think Andrew gets it.
Dig up stupid
Oh ok I get it now ha. But Sean Connery wouldn’t have been able to crack such a supple joke.
Ugly young punk ha.
“One possibility is the level of media exposure.” Yeah, fair enough.
“Another possibility is the economic situation in El Salvador”.
Well, that escalated quickly.
While we are at it Kim Kardashians arse is not attractive. But the media force it down out throats saying how desirable it is.
Back when I was in school “Fat ass” was an insult not a compliment
That conjures up an image that I’m not comfortable with, but you’re bang on.
I believe society/internet certainly has an huge influence on people’s perceptions of what is handsome or pretty. Say for example twilights, R Patz , as the kids call him, doesn’t hold a candle to the man of the hour in the 90′s like say, Zach Morris. Also Kirsten Stewart wouldn’t float my boat or get a look in when Michelle Pfeiffer was in her prime (although to be fair she is still hotter today IMO)
Anyway I gotta take off this facemask, have a great day.
Its probably true..in the 90′s, women preferred girlie looking men like Leo dicaprio and jude law..now its Ryan gosling..Personally though I always had a man crush on brad pitt, that fella never fails to look good.
That’s true about the 90′s but teen girls have always found androgynous men their the pin ups. Probably down to the magazines they read or due to Hollywood placing this look in the film roles aimed at that age group. It’s all comes back to influence.
As women get older I believe they definitely become more attracted to a more masculine look though. There’s a number of reasons for that buti have to blow dry my hair now so I’ll leave it at this. If you’re hot you’re hot. You just have it. No matter what the fashion or the decade.
Forget the face mask capitaine… nonopro is the way to go for silky smooth skin these days apparently; )
Nialler! All jokin aside, I’ll be tryin that out
I don’t get the noah reference, a woman played a woman, a man played a man?
Mutton dressed as lamb is still mutton….
Sheep can still be sold as lamb up to 18 months old I think. Correct me if I’m wrong. How does that work out in sheepy years to human equivalent? Anyway, mutton is a vastly underrated culinary delight. We are on the subject of meat here? If not..apologies.
Dont care cause im bleedin gorgeous anyway
Read Desmond Morris – the naked ape for more details
“The researchers found that people who have access to the internet prefer more ‘masculine-looking’ men, and women who are thinner and ‘more feminine’.”
The researchers would want to get some fresh air, maybe go for a cycle or a long walk to clear their head. The dumbing down of society continues unabated!
I’m clearly a freak of nature, I went for the two people on the right. Maybe it’s my age.
have your say