It was learned how eye characteristics affect our behavior towards other people 01:28

Scientists from Leiden University have discovered that changing the appearance of the eyes can significantly affect our perception. The study found that images of primates with dilated pupils evoked more positive emotions and encouraged people to donate more to causes. This effect becomes even more pronounced when the primates’ irises become brighter and the size of their pupils becomes more pronounced. The study was published in the journal Cognition and Emotion (C&E).

The study consisted of two stages. In the first phase, 64 participants rated photographs of 32 primate species with different pupil shapes. They rated them on criteria such as attractiveness, friendliness and cuteness, and decided how much money to donate to the conservation of each species. In the second, 121 participants viewed photographs with additional changes in iris brightness. This allowed the researchers to examine how the combination of iris brightness and pupil size affects perception.

It turns out that primates with wide pupils are perceived as cuter and friendlier, and donations made to protect them are higher. The brightness of the iris enhanced the effect: primates with bright irises and dilated pupils received the highest scores and donations. Constricted pupils combined with bright irises resulted in less positive responses.

The research emphasizes that our perceptions are affected by details of which we are not aware. Therefore, people tend to judge others based on their appearance, which can lead to irrational decisions.

“We are more affected by our appearance than we think,” said Juan Olvido Perea-Garcia, lead author of the study.

The authors note that image manipulations may not fully capture natural variations. Future research may focus on live interactions and examining responses to human eyes.

Previous scientists I learnedthat words activate hidden brain processes.