Ever caught yourself wondering if there’s a secret formula to being cool? I have. And honestly, for a long time, I thought it was about slick clothes and saying the right thing at the right time. Turns out, coolness is a real thing—and it has nothing to do with fashion labels or perfectly timed one-liners.
The Global Coolness Study: More Than Just a Trend
A while back, I stumbled upon this fascinating global study. Nearly 6,000 people across more than a dozen countries were asked one simple question: Who do you think is cool, and why? The answers revealed six traits that kept popping up, no matter the language or culture. That’s right—what makes someone cool in Tokyo isn’t all that different from what makes someone cool in London.
The Six Traits That Define Science Coolness
Let’s break this down. According to the study, cool people tend to share these six key qualities:
- Extroverted: They thrive around people, bringing energy into any room. Imagine the person at a party who makes everyone laugh or keeps the conversation going. They just bring a good vibe wherever they go.
- Hedonistic: Think of that friend who’s always up for trying the newest restaurant or planning spontaneous road trips. It’s about embracing fun and new experiences. This is the friend who loves life’s little pleasures—like trying a new dessert or dancing all night.
- Powerful: Not just physical strength—this is about influence. The person who leads a conversation or sets a trend without even trying. It’s more about having presence. This could be someone everyone listens to when they speak, or someone who naturally sets trends.
- Adventurous: Risk-takers who are curious about what’s around the next corner. Whether it’s skydiving or just choosing the bold paint color for their living room. It’s the kind of person who says, “Why not?” more often than “Why?” Always up for something different.
- Open: Always up for hearing different opinions or diving into a hobby they’ve never tried before. Someone who doesn’t shut down new ideas. They’re willing to listen to a different opinion, watch a movie they wouldn’t usually pick, or give a new sport a try.
- Autonomous: Self-reliant and independent. Cool people aren’t afraid to stand apart from the crowd. This is about being independent and comfortable making your own choices. Think of the person who wears what they want, follows their own path, and isn’t worried about fitting in with the crowd.
Pro Tip: Notice how these aren’t about being the best-looking or the richest? It’s all about attitude and approach to life.
Cool vs. Good: It’s Not Always the Same Thing
Real talk: Being cool doesn’t automatically make someone a saint. While good people are usually warm, agreeable, and super conscientious, cool folks have a bit of an edge. They’re the ones pushing limits, inspiring change, sometimes ruffling feathers. Hedonism and power might not land you on the cover of a morality magazine, but they do contribute to that elusive cool factor.
Why Coolness Actually Matters
Here’s what surprised me most: understanding coolness isn’t just about boosting your social status. Cool individuals often set trends, shake up outdated norms, and get people thinking in new ways. When you know what traits define coolness, you start seeing those dynamics everywhere—from your office to your friend group.
Key Takeaways
- Science coolness is less about looks or wealth and more about personality traits like extroversion, hedonism, power, adventure, openness, and autonomy.
- Coolness isn’t necessarily goodness—edginess and risk-taking play a big role.
- Recognising these traits helps you spot trendsetters and influencers in real life.
- You don’t need to change who you are to be cool. Often, it’s about leaning into your authentic self.
Start today. Be a little bolder, a little more open. Coolness, after all, starts with daring to be yourself.
