[JSR] How Glasses Affect Others Perception of Glasses Wearer

Posing for a school leadership flyer with and without glasses. Which version would you find more appealing and trustworth? [Source: Jude Choi]

Glasses are something that usually indicate that one’s eyesight is not perfect and the person therefore needs assistance in seeing clearly. However, glasses are perceived differently than what it’s actual intent is for. Just wearing glasses is enough to make many people think that the wearer is smarter. Through experiments, it has been found that glasses do two things: they make a person look smarter and more attractive.

Jude Choi, Grade 11 John Marshall High School

When judging a person who wears glasses for the first time, many people take what they see at face value. A report by CNBC found that not only does wearing glasses help one to look smarter, but people with no knowledge of a political candidate’s history would consistently favor those with glasses over those without. This makes a lot of sense, since TV has constantly portrayed people that wear glasses as incredibly smart. A report by Reader’s Digest found that the stereotype originated when monks would study, giving the implication of great wisdom. Now, glasses are associated with a very high level of work and intellect.

It does seem to be a widespread idea that people with glasses look more attractive than those who don’t, even though the only reason for this belief is due to a stereotype handed down through time.. As someone who recently got glasses, I can definitely say that I think they make me look better than when I’m not wearing them. A street experiment was done which found that women with glasses were found to be 38% more attractive than usual, while men, on the other hand, were found to be a whopping 60% more attractive. Although it is very strange, it has become so common to see people with glasses in this light, that it’s now a very normal thing to think.

As time has progressed forward, the opinion of glasses has not changed much regarding the idea that they make one look smarter and more attractive compared to those without glasses. This is a perception that we have seen over and over again, and to be frank, the stereotype will probably make a lot of glasses-wearers feel better about their poor eyesight. On one hand, bad eyesight; on the other, appearing attractive and smarter. Seems like the pros outweigh the cons.