084 MAFA Effect
The average face of a local population is generally more attractive than any individual face.
• People find the most average facial appearance (MAFA) of a population more attractive than faces that deviate from the average. Population refers to the group in which a person lives or was raised.
• The effect may be due to the fact that evolution tends to select out extremes. Therefore, a preference for averageness, which results in increased symmetry, may have evolved as an indicator of fitness.
• Use composite images of faces from target populations to represent local perceptions of beauty.
• Consider digital compositing and morphing software to create attractive faces from common faces for advertising and marketing campaigns, especially ...
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