What Makes Someone “Cool”? A Global Psychology Study Reveals All

A groundbreaking international study reveals the six key personality traits that consistently define “coolness” across diverse cultures, challenging the notion that “goodness” and “coolness” are synonymous.

The Six Traits of “Coolness”: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Researchers from the University of Arizona and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez conducted a large-scale international study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, investigating the universal traits associated with “coolness.” Analyzing data from nearly 6,000 participants across 13 countries, they identified six core personality traits consistently defining individuals perceived as “cool,” regardless of cultural background. Importantly, the study focused on non-famous individuals known to the participants, ensuring the findings weren’t skewed by celebrity influence or media portrayals. The results reveal a fascinating disconnect between the traits associated with “goodness” and “coolness.”

Extraversion emerged as the most significant trait. Cool individuals are those who are outgoing, assertive, and bring energy to social situations. Hedonism, characterized by a drive to enjoy life and pursue pleasure, ranked second. This doesn’t imply recklessness but rather a proactive approach to experiencing life’s joys. Power is another key element; cool individuals often exude confidence and a certain magnetism that draws others toward them. This isn’t about dominance but rather a self-assuredness that commands attention. Risk-taking is also a crucial component, signifying a willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. Openness to experience reflects a curiosity and receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives. Finally, autonomy, or independence of thought and action, underscores a refusal to conform to societal norms or seek external validation. These traits consistently emerged as defining characteristics of “cool” individuals across cultures, reinforcing their universality. Interestingly, traditional markers of “goodness,” such as warmth, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and adherence to tradition, were not strongly associated with “coolness,” suggesting that these two concepts are not interchangeable.

Co-lead researcher Todd Pezzuti highlighted the societal significance of “cool” individuals, noting their role in challenging norms, inspiring change, and advancing culture. Co-author Caleb Warren emphasized the distinction between being admirable and being cool, stating that “coolness captures something more rebellious and unconventional.” The study suggests that our understanding of “coolness” has evolved alongside societal values, shifting from a niche subculture phenomenon to a globally recognized symbol of influence. The researchers suggest that “coolness” has transitioned from a subcultural marker to a shared signal of boundary-pushing behavior.

The Difference Between “Cool” and “Good”

The study’s findings highlight the important distinction between the traits associated with “goodness” and “coolness.” While “good” people are often characterized by warmth, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and adherence to tradition, “cool” people exhibit a different set of traits, often including hedonism, risk-taking, and a degree of unconventionality. This does not necessarily mean that cool people are immoral or lacking in positive qualities; rather, it suggests that different sets of traits are valued in different contexts.

The study’s findings challenge the assumption that being a “good” person automatically translates to being “cool.” The sweetest person you know might not be considered cool, and conversely, someone who is unconventional or even slightly rebellious might be considered cool despite not conforming to traditional notions of goodness. This suggests that the concept of “coolness” is multifaceted and does not always align with traditional moral standards. The study suggests that the definition of “cool” has evolved alongside societal values, reflecting a shift from a focus on conformity to a greater appreciation of creativity and individuality.

Cultural Consistency and the Evolution of “Coolness”

The remarkable cross-cultural consistency in the identified traits underscores the universality of the concept of “coolness.” Despite differing cultural norms and traditions, the six traits consistently emerged as defining characteristics of individuals perceived as cool across the 13 countries studied. This suggests that the underlying psychology of “coolness” transcends cultural boundaries. The researchers argue that the evolution of “coolness” is intrinsically linked to societal shifts, reflecting a transition from valuing conformity to appreciating creativity and nonconformity. As society increasingly values innovation and individuality, the definition of “coolness” has broadened, moving beyond niche subcultures to become a globally recognized symbol of influence.

Key Takeaways

• A global psychology study identified six key personality traits consistently associated with “coolness” across diverse cultures: extraversion, hedonism, power, risk-taking, openness to experience, and autonomy.
• “Coolness” and “goodness” are distinct concepts, with different sets of traits defining each.
• The definition of “coolness” has evolved, reflecting a societal shift from valuing conformity to appreciating creativity and individuality.
• The cross-cultural consistency of the findings highlights the universality of the concept of “coolness.”