Scientists Reveal Only People With THESE 6 Traits Are Truly Cool — Do You Qualify?

For decades, coolness has been that intangible thing that's impossible to define, but incredibly easy to spot. Whether it's James Bond, Beyoncé, or that supremely confident friend who appears to own every room they enter, we simply know they're cool. But what does it actually take to be cool? Is it how they dress, how they behave, or something deeper?

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, researchers have finally figured it out. After reviewing data from more than 6,000 individuals in 12 nations, including the United States, India, Germany, China, South Africa, and Mexico, scientists report there is an international consensus about what exactly it takes to be cool.

What Is The Science Behind Being Cool

Conducted by researchers Todd Pezzuti of Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile and Caleb Warren, PhD, of the University of Arizona, the research determined that cool individuals always possess a combination of positive and rebellious qualities. Based on their findings, there are six traits that make someone cool. These characteristics include powerful, hedonistic, adventurous, autonomous, open, and extroverted.

In comparison, uncool people tend not to have these qualities, and may even look pretty stiff or boring.

Intriguingly, good people-in other words are someone who’s perceived as morally good. The traits defined for them were conforming, traditional, warm, agreeable, conscientious, and gentle. This suggests that while "good" and "cool" people overlap in several respects (such as being likable or admirable), coolness has an edge of rebellion and independence that goodness does not.

Also Read: Happy and Heavier: Why Women in Healthy Relationships Experience the 'Happy Weight' Effect

Why Does Coolness Matter?

Apart from swagger and style, experts say cool individuals are crucial to society. They're the agitators, the challengers of the status quo, innovators, and drivers of change. "Everybody wants to be cool, or at least not uncool. Society requires cool people because they challenge conventions, bring about change, and move culture forward,” Pezzuti said.

In a faster, more interconnected world, coolness goes deeper than skin. It's about confidence, independence, and defying expectations.

So, Can You Learn to Be Cool?

Well, coolness isn't innate. Sure, some things may come naturally to some of you, but many other things such as openness, independence, or perhaps even a sense of adventure, can be learned.

If you’re trying to cultivate coolness, focus less on image and more on authenticity, courage, and curiosity. Being cool isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out for the right reasons.