Physical appearance matters. It's an uncomfortable truth, but one that affects us all. Whether we like it or not, our looks play an influential role in shaping our social interactions and opportunities in life. This happens in two primary ways.
First, studies show that we instinctively attribute positive traits to attractive people. They're often seen as more intelligent, sociable, and well-adjusted than their less attractive counterparts. This phenomenon, known as the halo effect, is so ingrained that even newborn babies are not exempt from it. Studies show that attractive infants receive more affection and attention from strangers and even their own mothers!
The impact of these biases extends far beyond social situations and has tangible real-world consequences.........