Evolutionary explanations of celebrity attraction Flashcards
What are the two sub hypothesis for explaining the attraction to celebrities?
Gossip theory and Ornamental mind theory
What is gossip?
Exchanging information about someone who is not present
Why was gossip adaptive in the EEA?
- Being aware of what was happening (e.g potential mates and threats)
- Knowing who had status and power, meaning we know who has power over others
- Form social groups, meaning you were more well protected
Why was the trait to gossip passed on?
As those who gossiped had more reproductive/survival chances, meaning they passed on their genes. Meant gossiping is hardwired into genetics through natural and sexual selction
Why do we gossip about celebrities though?
As they so familiar they trip our gossip module. They also remind us of the high status, rich people we use to gossip about.
What is ornamental mind theory based on?
The fact that humans have a love of novelty
Who was most desirable in the EEA?
Entertaining, funny, talented males
Why did females pick theses entertaining males to mate with?
Because they would want their offspring to be desirable in order to ensure their genes survive through generations.
Why were ‘entertaining’ genes passed on?
As males with these traits were more succesful at procreating, passing on these genes
Why do women find celebrities attractive then?
As they are hardwired to be attracted to those who can entertain due to the reproductive benefits it would have brought in the EEA
What supports gossip theory?
De Backer
What did De Backer find?
Trough interviews and questionnaires, old people liked to gossip about celebrities a it helped them bond with real life friends
Who supports the ornamental mind theory?
Duck, Nettle and Clegg
What did Duck find?
Romantic relationships often break down due to boredom
What did Nettle and Clegg find?
Serious artists and poets had more sexual partners than hobby artists or non-artists
