What makes a person "cool" – scientists have named six key traits

Whether you're in Kyiv, Seoul, or San Francisco – the desire to look "cool" is universal. But what exactly does this quality mean? A study published in... Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, collected responses from nearly 6,000 people from 12 countries and identified 6 key traits of a "cool" personality.

1. Autonomy

Most people follow the rules and try to do what is expected. But the "cool kids" go their own way.

Think of Steve Jobs, who ignored industry standards and helped create the Macintosh, iTunes, and iPhone—things that changed our relationship with technology, music, and communication.

Cool kids aren't just rebels. They break the rules in a way that seems appropriate and useful—like Robin Hood, who robbed the rich to feed the poor.

2. Openness to new things

Cool people question established norms to seek out unconventional ideas and experiences. Albert Einstein became one of the most influential and "coolest" scientists because he offered a new way of understanding the world.

3. Adventurousness

Instead of comfort and safety, "cool" people seek something new, risky, and exciting.

The literary character Dean Moriarty became an icon of "coolness" thanks to his relentless search for new people, places, and adventures in Jack Kerouac's novel. "On the road".

Anthony Bourdain set the standard for culinary "coolness" by traveling the world in search of the most interesting dishes and establishments.

4. Hedonism

Cool people know how to enjoy life. They chase after fleeting pleasures, not thinking much about the future.

Consider, for example, Janis Joplin, Jean-Michel Basquiat, or Tupac Shakur, whose extravagant lifestyles became part of their life myth.

5. Extraversion

Being cool means being visible. These people follow their own path, but share ideas, style, and experience with others — and now also online.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is considered "cool" because he brings together athletes, businessmen, musicians, actors, and even Disney characters.

6. Dominance

Cool people attract attention and influence others not with force, but with charisma.

And it is through the combination of extroversion and charisma that they become agents of change. Beyoncé has been setting trends in music, fashion, feminism, and social discourse for over 20 years, just as Muhammad Ali revolutionized sports and the fight for black rights with confidence and conviction.