You're More Attractive Than You Think ? PSL Standards Challenged

Summary

In this video, the speaker critiques the limitations of using the PSL (Physical Aesthetic Standards of Looks) scale to evaluate facial attractiveness. They present a German study highlighting that real-life attractiveness preferences favor longer faces with narrower shapes, higher cheekbones, and a tapered V-shaped jawline. The study suggests that features such as fuller lips, darker eyebrows, and almond-shaped eyes are also key to ideal attractiveness. The speaker argues that combining both the PSL scale and real-life preferences offers a more accurate way to assess facial appeal, especially for those seeking to maximize their looks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Attractiveness is subjective, and facial attractiveness can't be accurately judged using the PSL standards alone.
• 😀 Real-life dating experiences often don't align with PSL scores, prompting some to adjust their own rating scales.
• 😀 Facial harmony should be considered when evaluating attractiveness, as it plays a role in a more realistic and relatable scale.
• 😀 A German study suggests that attractiveness is broader than what PSL standards indicate.
• 😀 The study reveals that faces perceived as attractive are often on the longer side with midface ratios around 0.95.
• 😀 Ideal faces in real life are characterized by narrower facial shapes, higher cheekbones, and a V-shaped jawline.
• 😀 Some features like wide, square jaws or a compact midface are overemphasized in the PSL ideology but aren't necessarily essential for attractiveness.
• 😀 Skin tone, lips, eyebrows, and lashes all influence attractiveness and align with PSL standards in some aspects.
• 😀 In real life, a broader upper half of the face in relation to the lower half creates a more appealing contour.
• 😀 There are key differences between the German study's findings and PSL, such as preferences for narrower faces and more tapering jawlines.
• 😀 There is room for balancing both the PSL standards and real-life appeal, offering a more accurate and nuanced understanding of attractiveness.

Q & A

What is the main criticism of the PSL (Physical Standard Look) scale in the video?

The main criticism of the PSL scale is that it is too restrictive and doesn't align with real-life dating experiences. The PSL standard overemphasizes certain features, like a wide jaw, which doesn't match what people find attractive in real life.

What does the speaker suggest as an improvement to the PSL scale?

The speaker suggests adjusting the PSL scale by incorporating 'facial harmony' into the evaluation. This change aims to create a more accurate reflection of what is considered attractive in real-life settings.

What does the German study indicate about facial attractiveness?

The German study indicates that attractive faces tend to have a narrower shape, higher cheekbones, and a V-shaped jawline, with a pointed chin. This differs from the PSL scale, which favors broader features like a wide square jaw.

How does the study's ideal facial shape compare to the PSL standard?

The study prefers a narrower face with better contouring around the cheeks and jawline, while the PSL standard favors a broader, square jaw. This results in the study's ideal face having a more defined, angular appearance.

What is the significance of the midface ratio in the study's findings?

The study reveals that the ideal midface ratio for attractiveness is around 0.95, which is slightly longer than the more compact midface preferred by the PSL scale. This suggests that a longer midface is more appealing in real life.

What facial features are considered ideal according to the German study?

The study identifies ideal facial features as a narrower face with higher cheekbones, fuller and symmetrical lips, fuller and darker eyelashes, a pointed chin, and a V-shaped jawline, with less emphasis on a broad upper face.

How does the study suggest the upper half of the face should relate to the lower half?

The study suggests that the upper half of the face should be broader than the lower half, creating an inverted triangle shape. This feature provides better contouring around the cheekbones and jawline, contrasting with the PSL preference for a more balanced face.

What role do symmetry and proportions play in attractiveness according to the video?

Symmetry and proportions are important aspects of attractiveness. The study emphasizes the importance of features like fuller, symmetrical lips and darker eyebrows, which contribute to facial harmony and overall appeal, aligning with the PSL in some areas.

What is the speaker's stance on combining PSL and the study’s findings?

The speaker suggests that there can be a balance between the PSL scale and the study's findings. By integrating aspects of both frameworks, a more accurate and holistic understanding of facial attractiveness can be achieved.

Why is the study particularly useful for understanding attractiveness in Central Europe?

The study is useful for understanding attractiveness in Central Europe because it focuses on the preferences of people in that region, who are more likely to find the facial features described in the study ideal. This regional focus provides insights into what is considered attractive in that cultural context.