Why are we genetically programmed to find animals so cute? I would think as an omnivore finding your food cute would be counterproductive.
My hypothesis is that we are supposed to eat meat as a last resort and prefer vegetables. So their cuteness acts as a deterrent so we prefer them less...
Though the fact that meat tastes so good would seem to be a counterargument to that theory...
@freemo The reason, as I understand it, is because the animals we tend to find cute have similar facial proportions to human babies (i.e. big eyes). Cats fit this pattern especially.
@LouisIngenthron While there might be some truth to that I find things cute that are completely foreign to human likeness. In fact I find most animals, even insicts, to be cute.
Also if this truely is a disadvantage to wanting to eat them I would think our brains would have created some extra barriers.
@freemo Okay, well I think you might be in the minority there, lol
So started a poll here: https://qoto.org/@freemo/111296289415112384
It is very early but so far 80%+ think all animals, including insects, are cute :)
@LouisIngenthron indeed, interesting