I wanted to say this for a long time: human babies aren’t cute. Certainly not newborns. If I didn’t know better, and saw a newborn, I would perform an exorcism. They look like creatures from the Uncanny Valley.
Edit: Seventeen points? Maybe I should make this a top-level post. Opinions?
First I lose about that many from a very thoughtful post because of my unusual sense of humor. Then I gain them back on… this? People, start making sense.
At the risk of doing another evo-psych just so story: Before you have reproduced putting any effort into helping babies diverts resources you could use for your own gains. Whereas after you’ve reproduced you need to keep your babies alive to pass on your genes. The increased affection for other peoples babies could be a side effect, or it might be beneficial in group environments where child care is shared.
I think this reaction is strongly affected by your current hormone levels (whether you’re male or female). Your reactions to baby-cuteness changes depending on genetics, age, menstrual cycle and other hormonal reasons… long-term or short-term.
I wanted to say this for a long time: human babies aren’t cute. Certainly not newborns. If I didn’t know better, and saw a newborn, I would perform an exorcism. They look like creatures from the Uncanny Valley.
Edit: Seventeen points? Maybe I should make this a top-level post. Opinions?
First I lose about that many from a very thoughtful post because of my unusual sense of humor. Then I gain them back on… this? People, start making sense.
1 year ago, I would have completely agreed.
Then we had a baby, and now I see cuteness in babies all over the place. None as cute as my baby, though.
At the risk of doing another evo-psych just so story: Before you have reproduced putting any effort into helping babies diverts resources you could use for your own gains. Whereas after you’ve reproduced you need to keep your babies alive to pass on your genes. The increased affection for other peoples babies could be a side effect, or it might be beneficial in group environments where child care is shared.
I note that cuteoverload.com has no babies on it, as far as I can tell. Cats, dogs, and little balls of feathery fuzz, but no babies.
Upvoted because of the edit. But don’t make this a top-level post, please.
I think this reaction is strongly affected by your current hormone levels (whether you’re male or female). Your reactions to baby-cuteness changes depending on genetics, age, menstrual cycle and other hormonal reasons… long-term or short-term.