The SI Unit for Cuteness: Measuring the "Aww" Factor We measure distance in meters, mass in kilograms, and time in seconds. But in a world filled with golden retriever puppies and tiny knitted hats, how do we quantify the overwhelming urge to squeal?
While "Buttons" are whimsical, the science of why we find things cute is surprisingly rigorous. Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz famously defined the (Baby Schema) , a set of physical features that trigger our caretaking instincts: Large eyes relative to the face. A high, protruding forehead. Chubby cheeks and a rounded body.
Because cuteness often operates on an exponential scale, we use standard SI prefixes to handle the extremes: 1 kiloButton ( kBtk cap B t The SI Unit for Cuteness.
): A level of cuteness that could potentially destabilize a small workplace. Think of a basket of kittens wearing bowties. 1 milliButton ( mBtm cap B t
While the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) remains curiously silent on the matter, the scientific and humorist communities have stepped in to fill the void. The Proposed Unit: The Button The SI Unit for Cuteness: Measuring the "Aww"
): A polite, subtle cuteness—like a particularly aesthetic teapot. 1 picoButton ( pBtp cap B t
When we encounter these "high-Button" stimuli, our brains release and oxytocin , activating the same reward systems as delicious food or winning a prize. Comparisons in the "Unusual Units" Hall of Fame Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz famously defined the (Baby
The Button joins a prestigious list of humorous measurements used to quantify the unquantifiable: The SI unit for cuteness - Rachel Neumeier