I wear glasses all the time and I’m not really aware whether they make me look smarter or not. What do you think? Do glasses make you look smarter?
Let’s try to dig deeper about this issue and see whether using eyewear can actually influence people to think that you’re more intelligent. In 2011 a German scientist named Helmut Leder put up a study about it. He researched about 3 categories:
- Not wearing glasses
- Wearing frameless glasses and
- Wearing full-framed glasses
He found out that wearing eyeglasses have other factors that come into play when studying its effect on people’s perception. The following factors wear considered:
- likability
- trustworthiness
- success
- attractiveness
We’re not surprise, people who don’t wear glasses were perceived as being more attractive and more likable.
People with full-framed glasses were perceived as more distinct, had more people focus on their eyes, and were given more eye-contact and general attention to the eyes. (So, they have better rapport, upfront). These individuals were also thought of as being more intelligent and successful. But, here’s the thing, these guys weren’t as likable, seen as not trustworthy, and are perceived as less attractive.
The group with rimless glasses did not have distinctiveness and the eye contact given to the people with full-rimmed glasses.
But, this group’s attractiveness and likability scores were better than the group with full-rimmed glasses. The group’s success and intelligent scores were also high compared to the group with no glasses.
Look at the chart:
According to the data, if you are going to use glasses, anyway, better go for the rim less type. The following factors are up when choosing them: attractiveness, attention to eyes, perceived as successful, intelligence, and trustworthiness. However, if you just want to be attractive and being likable, opt for contacts, and if you want to be perceived as intelligent, have a better chance of a good rapport with people, and considered as successful, then wear full-framed glasses.
