A recent study conducted by researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands suggests that individuals with big, bright eyes are more likely to succeed in fundraising or sales-related roles. According to a report from the New York Post, the study found that people with these striking eyes tend to elicit a greater willingness from others to open their wallets.
The research indicates that the attractiveness of primates stems from the “windows to the soul,” referring to the eyes. Factors such as the size of the pupils and the brightness of the irises significantly influence how others perceive individuals.
Brighter irises and larger pupils are perceived as more adorable, friendly, and attractive, leading to increased donations, as revealed by the study.
In the experiments conducted, researchers asked 64 participants to rate photos of 32 different primate species, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and pig-tailed macaques, with adjustments made to the eyes’ appearance.
In the first experiment, the researchers varied the size of the pupils while maintaining the same iris brightness across different animals. Participants were asked to evaluate the animals’ cuteness, friendliness, attractiveness, and indicate how much they would consider donating for fundraising purposes.
Results showed that only animals with bright irises saw an increase in donations when their pupils were enlarged. These animals were also perceived as cuter, friendlier, and more attractive by the participants.
In the second experiment, both the size of the pupils and the brightness of the irises were adjusted. It was found that participants were more likely to donate a larger amount when they saw animals with bright irises rather than black ones. Additionally, when the animals’ pupils were dilated rather than constricted, contributions also increased.
The researchers believe that one’s beauty lies in the “windows to the soul.” People with beautiful eyes are more adept at attracting financial support from others.
The study suggests that subtle changes in the perception of eye characteristics can influence behaviors and emotional responses in individuals.
The adjustment of pupil size and iris brightness in photos significantly impacts participants’ donation behavior and emotional responses. Images featuring bright irises and enlarged pupils were viewed as the cutest and friendliest.
These findings resonate with a previous study led by Zachary Estes, a professor at the University of London Business School. His 2024 research confirmed that individuals with larger irises appear brighter and more attractive.