Whether we realize it or not, we make snap judgments about people’s intelligence just by looking at their faces. But what exactly makes a face appear smart or intelligent? Research has uncovered some interesting insights into the facial features and expressions that can create an impression of intelligence.
The Eyes Have It
One of the biggest factors in looking smart is direct eye contact and engaged, focused eyes. A study published in the Journal of Individual Differences found that faces showing direct eye gaze were rated as more intelligent than faces with averted eyes. The researchers noted that wide open eyes with dilated pupils signal interest and attention, which translates to looking smarter and more intelligent.
Another study published in the journal Intelligence focused just on the eyes. Researchers asked participants to rate intelligence based on photographs of different people’s eyes. The results showed that brighter eyes with positive expressions, moderate amounts of eye white, and relatively large pupils were seen as more intelligent. Faces with eyes angled upwards were also perceived as more intelligent compared to downward angled eyes.
An Organized Face
The overall spacial relationships of facial features also impacts perceived intelligence. Faces that are more symmetric with evenly spaced features are rated as more intelligent, according to research from the Face Perception Lab at the University of Western Australia. This is likely because symmetry and proportionality are signs of good health and strong genes.
A study in the Journal of Research in Personality found that faces were perceived as more intelligent when the distance between the eyes and mouth were shorter. The researchers hypothesize that a shorter midface distance makes a face appear more organized and reflective.
A Masculine Look
Multiple studies have shown that stereotypically masculine facial features are associated with looking more intelligent. In a 2015 study from the Journal of Experimental Psychology, participants viewed pictures of men’s and women’s faces that were digitally altered to look more masculine or feminine. The results showed that the more masculine faces, both male and female, were perceived as more intelligent.
Other research has found that square jaws, prominent brows, and thin lips are more often ascribed intelligence. This is likely influenced by the common stereotype that views men as more rational and intelligent than women.
Positive Expressions
The overall mood expressed on the face also impacts judgments of intelligence. Faces displaying positive emotions like happiness are consistently rated as looking more intelligent compared to negative emotions like anger or sadness. This was demonstrated in a study published in the journal Intelligence where participants viewed smiling, neutral, or scowling faces.
The researchers theorize that positive expressions convey openness, confidence, and positivity, which leads to more favorable trait judgments. In contrast, negative emotions may signal barriers to clear thinking and reasoning abilities.
Signs of Maturity
Mature features can also increase perceptions of intelligence. A study from New York University found that faces with older appearance, such as wrinkles and gray hair, were rated as more intelligent. This was especially true when the faces had open, friendly expressions. Signs of maturity may subconsciously signal greater life experience and wisdom.
Grooming and Glasses
Well-groomed hair and neat clothing are linked with more professionalism, competence, and social status. Consequently, people who appear well put-together are also seen as more intelligent. Likewise, studies have found that eyeglasses can increase perceptions of intelligence, possibly because they evoke images of scholars or studiousness.
Calm and Confident
Underlying personality traits are also apparent from facial clues. Faces that look more conscientious, socially dominant, and emotionally stable tend to be judged as more intelligent based on research. This reflects beliefs that smart people are detail-oriented, assertive, and have their emotions under control.
Conclusion
While we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, research shows that people unconsciously associate certain facial features with intelligence. Traits like direct eye contact, proportionate spacing of features, masculine characteristics, positive mood, maturity, grooming, and emotional calmness can increase perceptions of intelligence.
However, it’s important to remember that appearances do not define a person’s actual qualities or abilities. With greater awareness, we can look beyond facial stereotypes and appreciate the many different manifestations of intelligence.
| Facial Feature | Effect on Perceived Intelligence |
|---|---|
| Direct eye contact | Increases |
| Proportionate feature spacing | Increases |
| Masculine features | Increases |
| Positive expressions | Increases |
| Signs of maturity | Increases |
| Well-groomed | Increases |
| Glasses | Increases |
| Calm, confident demeanor | Increases |