It’s a tale as old as time: You’re talking to someone whose personality can only be described as the equivalent to boiled (unseasoned) potatoes. There is nothing remotely interesting about them, but you still find yourself fascinated with them, putting yourself through dull conversations about cryptocurrency or the new ‘Alpha Male Podcast’ they’re listening to. You take a moment to reflect on why you’re putting yourself through these boring conversations, and why on earth you’re still attracted to them—your conclusion? You don’t actually like him, he’s just tall. So why is this such a universal phenomenon? This article aims to uncover why we find ourselves more attracted to taller people, and also remind you that being tall is not a personality trait.
A 2015 study found that “human height is positively related to interpersonal dominance in dyadic interactions,” otherwise said, height and stature are seen to be synonymous with status and power. In terms of self-perception, it has been found that taller individuals, particularly taller men, have far higher levels of self-esteem in comparison to shorter individuals. Furthermore, not only are taller individuals perceived to be more threatening during a physical contest, but they are perceived to be “more competent, authoritative, intelligent, dominant, and having better leadership qualities.” There seems to be no negative associations with tall individuals. Even in naturalistic settings, like moving through a crowded street, the study found that “taller individuals were more likely to take precedence.”
All these positive connotations associated with height could point to understanding why taller people are thought to be more attractive. Their supposed power and status give us reason to be drawn to them, and in turn, want to date them. This may, however, simply be the result of the “halo effect.” This is a type of cognitive bias in which our impressions and thoughts about a person influence the way we think about their character. In other words, the halo effects mean that we view attractive people as being more morally good-this is even seen in the criminal justice system where conventionally attractive criminals are seen to be given less harsh sentences in comparison to other “less attractive” individuals who committed the same crime. The halo effect may mean that we give taller people the benefit of the doubt and make excuses for their poor behavior, excuses we may not make if that person wasn’t as tall or attractive. Furthermore, the halo effect may explain the previously mentioned experience of talking to the most boring person on earth, but still trying to make things work because of their height.
Theories of evolution offer further reasons why we find ourselves being more attracted to those on the taller side. John Malouff, professor of psychology at the University of New England, explains that “women may unconsciously prefer tall men because these men tend to be more successful in physical altercations with other men.” This is something that can be seen in gorillas and other animals. Their height not only suggests strength, but can subconsciously suggest better health and intellect, and hence we find ourselves being propelled towards them. Malouff further explains that there are factors outside of evolution that can explain this phenomenon, one of them being psychosocial reasons. “Looking up to someone literally may translate in the unconscious brain to looking up to a person figuratively.” Both evolutionary and psychosocial theories demonstrate that there are once again positive traits associated with height, that those below average don’t seem to be able to claim.
In a VICE article examining the tall attraction phenomenon, an interview with former VICE member Joel Golby revealed an interesting perspective. At 6’4”, Joel stated: “I never realized that basically the only reason I’d ever had sex was because I was tall until I was about 28 - but yeah, that’s the only reason I’ve ever had sex. If I were a normal height I think I’d probably be a moderator on an incel forum.” Joel seems to hold the false belief that shorter men are unattractive, and are undeserving or unable to develop a romantic or sexual relationship. Whilst men are the first to call women “superficial” for their preference for a taller guy, it appears they can also be rude towards those less vertically gifted. This does not mean that there isn’t any hope for those on the shorter end of the scale, and if you find yourself interacting with someone who absolutely refuses to date someone under six feet, you’ve dodged someone who is only interested in optics rather than a happy and satisfactory relationship.
Whilst science may explain our favor towards taller men, what is significantly more important than height is personality. It doesn’t matter how tall you are, if you’re a complete a-hole or bland as stale bread, that knocks off any bonus points your height can give you. And if you find yourself wondering if you like him, or just his height— chances are it’s the latter.
By Stephanie McCartney