For many years, pop culture has perpetuated the idea that manipulative, narcissist and even soulless people have an insurmountable charm. From the thoughtful villains of the film to the charismatic leaders of real life, the so-called personality traits of the “dark triad”-an annexism, makelier and psychopathy-were associated with success in seduction. But are people really consider these features attractive to a potential partner? [Also read: Is honesty in relationships overrated? Study reveals what happens when you are 100% truthful with your partner]
By breaking a dark triad
Dark triad refers to three personality traits who, although often observed in powerful leaders and manipulators, are usually considered socially undesirable –
- Narcissism: The combination of grandeur, law and non -monitrous hobbies, often in combination with the lack of empathy.
- Machiavelyanism: Strategic, manipulative thinking that prioritizes personal benefit is often due to others.
- Psychopathy: Impulsivity, lack of remorse and anxiety ignoring emotions and well -being of others.
Despite their negative reputation, some studies hinted that these features may have short -term appeal, especially in the dating world; However, new conclusions published in Personaly Challenge is a concept. He suggested that people actually prefer the low levels of dark triad, especially when considering long -term relationships.
Are the dark triads really?
The researchers of the Yuavar Drahostinov and Tom Booth headed to check the alleged attractiveness of the dark triad, studying how men and women evaluate the attractiveness of different types of personality. They created face profiles using carefully designed vignettes – behaviors – pleased with the controlled personality sets of Chicago Face data.
These vignettes were a low, medium or high level of dark triad traits. Participants recruited on the Internet through social media and research platforms have been asked to evaluate these profiles for both short-term Flings and long-term relations.
It is important to note that in the second stage of the study, the researchers randomized the personality images to ensure that the attraction ratings were based on the face, not on physical features.
Main conclusions
The results debunked the “bad boy” myth. In both studies –
- For a short -term relationship: Participants who were sexually attracted to men (mostly women), generally evaluated profiles as less attractive compared to those who were sexually attracted to women (mostly men). However, there was no significant advantage to the high dark triad.
- For a long -term relationship: The trend became even clearer. Low levels of dark triad traits are steadily evaluated as the most attractive in all sexual preferences.
- In the second study where the person’s attractiveness was randomized: Low levels of dark triad traits were actually preferred even for short-term relationships-translation of previous studies, suggesting that narcissism and Machiavelyanism can increase the short-term desirability.
Restrictions
However, the study has its restrictions. Unlike real dating, where chemistry, voice, body language and interaction play a major role, this study relied on static images and written descriptions. In reality, anyone’s attractiveness is influenced by the combination of factors, including how their personality gets in real life.
Nice guys (and girls) will not finish the last
The study has strengthened the idea that, while confidence and charm can be attractive, manipulative or narcissist tendencies do not necessarily add any desirable. Contrary to the long convinced that “bad boys” (or “bad girls”) have an advantage in dating, people, especially those seeking serious relationships, -ti contributes to kindness, emotional stability and true connection or self -focused on bravado.
If, if, if you experience that “too nice” makes you less attractive, science assumes differently. Despite the fact that little confidence goes on a long way, the true attractiveness comes from authenticity, emotional intelligence and kindness – qualifications that withstand the test sometimes much better than the manipulative charm.
