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Show THE SCIENCE OF SUPERFICIALITY LYDIA MORLEY hen people constantly and meticulously tend to their physical appearances, they might be considered vain and superficial. It's generally understood that in forming perceptions of others, their looks shouldn't matter. Most of us were taught to judge the value of others on the basis of their personality and character, not merely attractiveness. But what if we can't help it? What if, no matter what our mothers told us, we inevitably interact with one another on a foundation of complete superficiality? Despite what you might consciously acknowledge, this is absolutely true. As humans, we are completely submissive to the invisible forces of implicit bias. According to a 2009 article in The New York Times, "Stereotypes are seen as a necessary mechanism for making sense of information:' Snap judgments and stereotyping are integral to the way we function cognitively, which is basically in a series of immediate categorical associations. Fortunately, our initial value judgments usually dissipate, and we eventually become more holistically judgmental of individuals. While this may be comforting to our greater altruistic W desires, it doesn't change the fact that we are unconsciously and inexorably prone to the influences of vanity and superficiality. As awful as it seems, in the context of establishing relationships and projecting a certain persona, looks are the only thing that matter. What is implicit bias? Think about the idea of being attracted to a complete stranger — the concept itself is entirely superficial. Initial attraction is neither a result of any kind of genuine personal connection, nor does it account for any concrete knowledge of the personality or character of the individual. It's not something we actively debate or consider. We see a particular human being, and for whatever reason, our brain alerts us that it would be absolutely OK to hop right into bed with that person. Of course, maintenance of a reputable appearance should not be acknowledged as valuable simply because it's nice to know that people want to sleep with you. The true importance lies in understanding other unconsciously manipulated biases at work. In almost every social context, people are naturally more sympathetic and trusting toward attractive, well-dressed and put-together individuals. The New York Times article goes on to say, "Most stereotypes break down into two broad dimensions: whether a person appears to have malignant or benign intent and whether a person appears dangerous:' To revisit the idea of attraction from a deeper psychological point of view for a moment, this idea means that we not only enjoy physical beauty but associate with it things like safety, DATING: THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT n an age when we are increasingly dependent on various forms of technology, many people vehemently believe romantic relationships and friendships should be two aspects of life that have a basis in real-life experiences and in-person conversations rather than texts or Facebook message threads. However, it is virtually impossible nowadays to shirk technology in the pursuit of a new relationship — and that might not be a bad thing. The future of finding true love (or, let's be honest — someone to watch Netflix with when plans flop on a Saturday night) is the mobile dating app. After Tinder's wild success, more and more apps have cropped up, promising an easier way to connect with people. Although some argue that this techie form of dating takes the sincerity and genuine effort out of approaching people, it actually creates opportunities that might be otherwise lost to meet potential dates. Tinder is not your only choice when browsing for mobile dating apps. Around 10 to 15 new dating apps launch each week in the $2 billion industry, although maybe only two will be successful enough to be relevant after a few months. Coffee Meets Bagel is another app that presents individuals with one match each day, which they can choose to pursue or ignore. This is a far cry from the daily bombardment of Tinder matches, and the creators think it offers a more intimate and earnest approach to a dating app where individuals are considered seriously instead of being lost in a sea of other men and women. The app boasts upward of 10,000 committed relationships between people who met on it. Although most apps center around the typical chat feature, How About We is an app designed for people who would rather go out and do an activity than read through someone's interests on a profile. Users simply finish the sentence "How about we..." with another user and the date is set. For those who are nervous about going on dates alone, Grouper makes it possible for two people interested in each other to nominate two or three friends to join them on the date. The app itself will pick the bar and a $15 charge covers one drink per friend. From apps that connect people based on mutual friends to ones that use music preference as a way to relate, the possibilities for these dating apps are seemingly limitless. There is someone for everyone, and the fact that these apps work right from a smartphone makes dating spontaneous and exciting. In addition, dating apps take all the guesswork out of modern-day relationships. If you're someone who enjoys the anxiety of meeting someone and wondering whether or not they are interested, by all means continue your method of dating. But for everyone else, these various apps connect two people who are at least definitely physically attracted to one another and most likely have other things in common. You might not get a lifelong relationship out of your date, but it's an easy way to meet someone on short notice and without fear or hesitation. 12 { THECHRONY I NEWS I OPINION I ARTS I SPORTS I WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 } 1I comfort and general benevolence (which are all desirable characteristics in a potential mate). This is why you do not see door-to-door salesmen in sweat pants, politicians with scars across their faces or any good-looking cartoon villains. Would you rather take a car from a stranger in a suit or from a stranger in all-black and a beanie? These expressions of implicit bias essentially function as split-second estimations of the trustworthiness of others. So we can't blame an increasingly superficial society for its harsh imposition of beauty standards, and on a very instinctive and evolutionary level, we cannot simply decide to think or behave differently. This shouldn't mean that we need to become slaves to the maintenance of our appearance, constantly obsessing over whether or not we are making a good physical impression. In fact, this knowledge is not a validation or promotion of the blind pursuit of vanity. This knowledge is a recognition of the simple fact that nobody can shield themselves from being the subject of implicit bias in human interaction — and it doesn't have to be a burden. Instead of futilely attempting to escape the inevitable, learn to manipulate it. Simply be aware of the influential power of physical appearance, and use it in a personally beneficial manner. Consider it a tool for success, rather than the object of success. If you're stepping out to the grocery store, feel free to wear Crocs. If you need to get away with a lie, make sure to look cute. letters@chronicle.utah.edu There is also less pressure when two people meet on an app instead of in person or through mutual friends. These individuals could be complete strangers to begin with, and if the date goes horribly wrong, no one needs to linger on it or explain what happened. You can go right back to swiping and searching for your new date — if you're not physically or emotionally scarred from the first one. For those people who are against dating apps and prefer the old-fashioned method of meeting potential suitors, I am sure somewhere in Midwestern America there is a man or woman stuck in a very colonial mindset waiting to sweep you off your feet. But it might just be beneficial for others who are looking for a date (especially with the single population's most uncomfortable weekend coming up) to download an app and look around. You might be surprised at the number of normal, friendly and interesting people looking for the same thing. letters@chronicle.utah.edu Find out how becoming a plasma donor can make a difference for patients and help you earn extra money. As a new donor, you can earn up to $360 this month. Donate today in Salt Lake City at: Biomat USA Inc. - 38 E. 800 South / 801-363-7697 - 630 West North Temple / 801-531-1279 yelp' Visit grifolsplasma.com to learn more about donating plasma. In addition to meeting the donation criteria, you must provide a valid photo I.D., proof of your current address and your Social Security or immigration card to donate. Must be 18 years of age or older to donate. (19 years of age or older in AL) GRIFOLS Pride for Donors. Passion for Patients. 13 |