Pretty–Pretty Average–Average Pretty 0
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a fascinating article on current research into why pretty faces are pretty. Short verision: because they are average:
The second feature is averageness.
It might seem illogical to say that especially good-looking people will be more average, but it’s more a matter of not having highly unusual features, said Richard Russell, a face researcher at Gettysburg College.
(snip)
The third universal factor in attractiveness is called “sexual dimorphism,” which basically means more masculine features for men (bigger jaws, prominent brow lines) and more feminine features for women (smaller chins, bigger eyes).
How the researchers use computer technology to alter images and test theories is a gas.
