A recent study led by researchers Todd Pezzuti, Caleb Warren, and Jinjie Chen from Chile and the US has delved into the concept of “cool,” providing insights that transcend cultural boundaries. The study involved 6,000 participants from 13 different nations, excluding New Zealand but including Australia, and it sought to define what makes someone ‘cool’ compared to not being cool or even ‘good.’
Historically, “cool” emerged from African American and bohemian subcultures, gaining prominence during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Unlike trendy phrases that tend to fade, such as “it’s fire” or “slay,” the essence of “cool” remains timeless.
Participants in the study were asked to describe characteristics of individuals they considered cool versus those they deemed uncool, as well as ‘good’ and ‘not good’ people. The findings revealed that cool individuals are often perceived as extroverted, adventurous, hedonistic, and influential. These traits significantly outweighed the differences in perceptions between good and not-good individuals. It appeared that while coolness is associated with enjoyment and control over one’s life, goodness is more closely linked with traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness.
What stands out is that the six attributes defining coolness were consistent across all nations involved in the study. This universality suggests that the concept of being cool may serve a broader purpose, possibly fostering cultural innovation. For instance, jazz became associated with coolness as it represented a transformative moment in music history.
The research offers an interesting perspective on how “cool” can act as a symbol of adaptive social behavior, promoting creativity and change within cultures. Overall, while the idea of “cool” may seem subjective, these findings indicate that it carries deeper implications in human interactions and societal trends.
With this understanding, it seems clear that striving to embody the elements of coolness could encourage not only personal growth but also innovative contributions to society.