Why Do We Find Things Cute?

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Why Do We Find Things Cute?

Sophia Xu
Updated: September. 14, 2023 


Have you ever wondered why you feel a surge of affection when you see a baby, a puppy, or a kitten? Why do some things make us go “aww” while others leave us indifferent? The answer may lie in our biology and evolution.

The Science of Cuteness

According to some scientists, we find things cute because it is biologically necessary for us to take care of our children1. Unlike many other animals, human babies are very dependent on their parents for a long time. They also tend to be very annoying: they cry, poop, and vomit all the time. So how do we cope with this? By finding them adorable.

An Austrian scientist named Konrad Lorenz studied why we humans think things are cute. He came up with the term kinderschema, which are the sets of traits we find cute and adorable23. These traits include:

  • A large head relative to the body size
  • A round face and a small nose
  • Big eyes and a small mouth
  • Soft and fluffy fur or hair
  • Clumsy and playful movements

These traits trigger a nurturing response in us, making us want to protect and care for the cute thing. This helps us bond with our offspring and ensure their survival.

The Benefits of Cuteness

But finding things cute is not only useful for parenting. It also has other benefits for our well-being. For example, research has shown that looking at cute things can:

So the next time you feel like watching a video of baby animals or browsing through miniature objects, don’t feel guilty. You’re actually doing something good for your health and happiness.

Conclusion

Cuteness is not just a subjective preference. It is a powerful force that shapes our behavior and emotions. By finding things cute, we are fulfilling our biological and evolutionary needs, as well as improving our mental and social skills. Cuteness is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also in the brain and the heart.

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