Why do we think things are "cute"?

[ThaumaturgicTheorist]

Anything I was going to say has been said: protective instincts, mainly.

Can we spam the thread with cute pics and vids now?

 

[Grand Admiral Crunch]

Exactly. When I went to school we were taught about Konrad Lorenz and the "baby schema" (Kindchenschema) in biology class.

Cuteness - Wikipedia



But of course culture also plays a big part how that is treated and valued. Think of the massive role the concept of kawaii plays in Japanese culture!

I'm in Japan right now with my baby. These people seem to like her even more than Americans do. I feel like I'm escorting a celebrity here. I wonder if she is especially cute to them because of her features are abnormal to them or if this happens to all babies here. I tend to like things that are small and unusual looking, things that are unexpected. I think the surprise of things, like a piece of candy decorated to look like a pig, also plays a role.

 

[Grand Admiral Crunch]

Things that are similar to the ideal, but slightly off, are often called cute too.

 

[Yama]

Things that are similar to the ideal, but slightly off, are often called cute too.

Like uglycute dogs?