What Makes Someone Cool? (according to science)

A recent global study identifies six key psychological traits that define coolness: extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy, emphasizing that genuine authenticity, not trying to be cool, is crucial.

• Coolness is defined by extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy, a universally recognized psychological profile.

• Aloofness and scarcity contribute to coolness, as overexposure can diminish appeal and predictability.

• Authenticity is paramount; trying to be cool is ineffective and can reduce credibility, contrasting with the respect given to self-made success.

A recent study of over 5,000 people across 12 countries reveals a universal psychological profile for cool individuals, encompassing traits like being outgoing, pleasure-seeking, influential, adventurous, open to new experiences, and autonomous. This modern understanding shifts from older notions of emotional restraint. The study also highlights a critical distinction between being cool and being 'good,' with good people characterized by conformity and predictability, and stresses that authenticity is paramount for coolness, as trying to be cool often backfires.

Defining Coolness

• 00:00:50 Early descriptions of coolness focused on emotional restraint, calmness, and self-control. However, a recent study involving over 5,000 participants in 12 countries indicates that the meaning of 'cool' has evolved, converging on a specific psychological profile regardless of culture. Cool people are identified by six core traits: extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy.

The Role of Aloofness

• 00:02:40 Beyond the six core traits, aloofness and scarcity are significant contributors to perceived coolness. Being too available or familiar can detract from someone's cool factor, allowing for speculation and a sense of mystique. This explains why public figures like Denzel Washington maintain a low social media presence, as overexposure can diminish their appeal, much like a 'new chick at school' loses her special status over time.

Cool vs. Good

• 00:04:34 The study differentiates between being cool and being 'good,' noting that they are distinct concepts with minimal overlap, except for 'capability.' Cool individuals are typically unpredictable due to their extroverted, adventurous, and autonomous nature, whereas 'good' people are described as conforming, traditional, secure, warm, agreeable, universalistic, conscientious, and calm. Society often admires cool people for different reasons than it respects good people, despite 'good' friends often being preferred.

The Authenticity Imperative

• 00:09:57 Authenticity is a crucial component of coolness, as attempting to be cool typically fails and can even reduce one's social standing. Coolness is intrinsically linked to autonomy, originality, and a disregard for fitting in, making genuine self-expression vital. This contrasts with how wealth is perceived, where hard work is respected; for coolness, the effort to appear cool is counterproductive, suggesting an adaptive social function for those who are genuinely ahead of the curve.