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From the moment we are born, we have a natural tendency to be attracted to symmetrical faces. It is a phenomenon deeply rooted in our biology and psychology, manifesting across all cultures and generations.
But what makes symmetry so attractive to us? What is the secret behind the irresistible allure of symmetrical features?
Even in newborn babies, a clear preference for symmetrical faces is observable. Research conducted by Langlois et al. (1991) showed that newborn babies have a distinct preference for symmetrical faces. This finding suggests that the attraction to symmetry is not merely the result of cultural influences but rather an innate preference present from the earliest stages of our lives.
Biologically, this preference for symmetry can be explained by the role of symmetry as an indicator of health and genetic quality. Symmetrical faces are often associated with good health and strong genetic makeup because they indicate that an individual has developed successfully without significant genetic or environmental stress during development. This association between symmetry and health and strong genetic makeup can explain why we instinctively feel attracted to symmetrical faces.
Dr. Thornhill, an evolutionary psychologist, explains,
"Facial symmetry is seen as a sign of biological 'fitness,' and that's why we find it attractive."
Furthermore, there are neurological mechanisms underlying our preference for symmetry. Functional MRI studies have shown that viewing symmetrical faces is associated with increased activity in the brain's reward areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (O'Doherty et al., 2003). This finding suggests that symmetry gives us a sense of pleasure and reward, which can explain our attraction to symmetrical faces.
The attraction to symmetry in faces is deeply rooted in our biology and psychology. From the earliest stages of our lives, we are drawn to symmetrical faces, reinforced by the perception of symmetry as a sign of health and genetic quality, as well as the neurological reward responses it triggers. So, the next time you find yourself admiring a symmetrical face, know that it is not just superficial - it is our natural tendency to appreciate beauty and health, wrapped in a beautifully symmetrical face.
