Discussion How Neurochemistry Affects Attractiveness (2 Viewers)

[larpwaffen]

Introduction​

if you are walking outside, and you lock eyes with someone truly attractive, you might feel a happy or more focused, here's why this is crucial to perceived attractiveness

Mechanisms behind this ​

The ventral striatum is a midbrain structure, it acts as a bridge between your emotions and physical actions, specifically the ventral tegmental area (vta ill be calling it) serves as the brains primary reward path and main driver of motivation, mainly contains the neurotransmitter dopamine, also includes GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons.

the VTA is stimulated a variety of ways, focusing in on natural behavioural stimuli we see social and emotional triggers, such as bonding behaviours, maternal interactions and intense states of romantic love, stimulates it heavily

why does this matter?​

the reward circuitry is crucial in perceived attractiveness as attraction is not purely visual, more so its how well these mechanisms are stimulated when someone sees someone attractive. Dopamine release also influences memory, like when you take addys you might notice better memory recall later, this means that you will also remember someone you found attractive for longer.
"perceived attractiveness of an unfamiliar face increases brain activity in the ventral striatum of the viewer when meeting the person's eye, and decreases activity when eye gaze is directed away." - PMID: 11595937

HALO EFFECT​

As dopamine spikes alongside other chemicals like norepinephrine, the brain downplays negative traits and amplifies positive ones. This evolutionary mechanism urges you to pursue mating opportunities despite potential flaws. this is why girls go back or go for abusive ex's they find attractive, ignoring all the negatives​

How can I maximise this?

don't have dead eyes/the classic neurodivergent stare (over for us spectrumcels)
stimulants that boost dopamine can make you more sociable/confident
posture and overall self awareness in public (should go without saying)

the biggest one i can say is fixing the tiny subconscious things other people will pick up e.g:
blink rate
smile authenticity and when to smile
facial asymmetry (easier to say than actually fix i know)
and your overall threat/stress indicators, this is why high dimo doesnt always mean attractive
(buzzword warning!!)
high cortisol, it is associated with water retention in the face, inflammation,acne ,​

dark under eyes(worse if you have recessed infras, which you do ) ​

tl;dr halo effect, brain happy blah blah blah its over anyway
low effort thread cause i havent the time rn

 

[hoodsickle]

Bump

 

[hippocamp]

wow alot of psychology threads lately, defo not complaining

 

[auk]