The attraction of the celebrity: evolutionary Flashcards
What do humans possess a love of
novelty neophillia
What does neophillia lead to
High demand for creative displays in the EEA
What might EEA mate choice have favoured
Creative courtship displays, explaining unique characteristics such as music/art/humour
Why are we drawn towards musicians/artists etc?
Display creative characteristics in ABUNDANCE
What might natural selection have favoured
Skills that enhance survival
What might SEXUAL selection have favoured
Minds prone to creativity and fantasy
Celebs represent this world of fantasy
Why might be imitate celebs
More reproduction, protection and resource opportunities so reproductive value
What enzyme provides support for novelty-seeking tendencies
MAOA directly correlated
Why might gossip (exchange of social information) have been adaptive in EEA
Creates bonds with social groups
Initiates and maintains alliances
Constructs/manipulates reputations
Why do we gossip about celebs?
- Regarded as member of social networks
- Trigger same gossip mechanisms
Overall, what has gossip evolved to do?
Keep up w affairs of in-group members
Enzyme for love of creativity
Genetic diffs means gene variations - one form is MAOA . Genetic origin
Limitation of sexual selection explanation?
‘Love of novelty’ does not tell us WHY this occurs, argues that traits preferred simply bc ‘attractive’
Research support for adaptive nature of Celeb Gossip
800 participants survey
Gossip seen as useful way of acquiring info
Media exposure was strong predictor of interest in celebs, leading to misconception that they are in our social network
