by Daniela Danilova
You know it when you see it. As soon as you lay your eyes on it, you are suddenly filled with warmth. When you are finally able to release that initial gasp of amusement, it’s time for the squeal: “Awww…. isn’t it sooo cuuute?” Many of us have experienced the captivating moment of spotting something adorable. Just its mere presence is enough to lift our spirits. What is it about cuteness that makes us gush on command and completely flips our mood simply by existing?
Isn’t this snake just the cutest? Image Source
Although this feeling of attraction may feel uncontrollable, it certainly isn’t trivial. Turns out, that irresistible pull we feel towards interacting with, and especially caring for, cute things is rooted deep in our neurology. Seeing something cute triggers rapid activity in a region of the brain known as the orbitofrontal cortex, which is aptly associated with feelings of reward and pleasure.
The orbitofrontal complex. Image Source
The ultimate trigger for this flood of affection? Babies. Their chubby cheeks, flailing arms, and spontaneous giggles are surefire ways to make our worries melt away. Even their scent has been proposed to heighten our desire to devote our attention to these constantly bemused tiny humans, and for good reason. Unlike the young of other species, human babies require constant care for a prolonged period of time. As a result, they have evolved to be masters at hijacking our attention, winning out over pretty much all other responsibilities. This first class ticket to the adult consciousness ensures they receive our finest resources.
The existence of cuteness may have a broader net benefit for society. Our sympathy for cute beings is not limited to human children; instead, it often extends to kittens, puppies, and other baby animals (which are often perceived to be cuter than their human counterparts, a side effect of selective breeding). This fact is taken advantage of in marketing campaigns, many of which hope to spark feelings of generosity in the public and boost charitable giving. Whether it’s training us to be better parents, or prompting us to extend a helping hand to those in need, cuteness can be a powerful force for good. Sometimes, a brief moment of joy is all you need to lift you out of your everyday stupor and pursue a random act of kindness.
