TED-Ed: Why do you want to squeeze cute things? | Joshua Paul Dale

The video explores the concept of cute aggression, a common urge to squeeze or bite cute things without intent to harm. It delves into the baby schema, which identifies features like large eyes and plump cheeks as cute, influencing perception and behavior. Studies show cuteness can enhance performance and encourage positive actions. Evolutionarily, cuteness may have been favored to ensure care for helpless infants, and domestication has led to juvenile features in animals. Cute aggression arises from emotional overload, serving as a regulatory mechanism. Overall, cuteness wields significant influence over emotions and actions.

In what ways has cuteness been utilized by authorities and advertisers?

What role does the neural crest play in the physical changes observed in domesticated animals?

What is cute aggression and how is it different from the intention to harm?