Intelligence can be detected, but is not attractive for video or live interaction

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2021.05.002

Explanation

Self-reported partner preferences suggest that intelligence is valued across cultures, consistent with the idea that human intelligence is sexually selected for and evolved from.

However, the validity of self-reports has been questioned, so it is unclear whether objectively assessed intelligence is truly attractive.

In Study 1, 88 eligible men had their intelligence measured, and 179 women rated their intelligence, interestingness, physical attractiveness, and spousal attractiveness based on short video clips.

In Study 2 (N = 763), participants participated in two to five speed-dating sessions in which they measured intelligence and rated each other's intelligence, fun, and mate attractiveness.

Intelligence measured in these studies did not predict increased spousal attraction, but perceived intelligence and interestingness did.

More intelligent people were perceived as intelligent, but not interesting.

The results suggest that intelligence is not important for initial attraction, which raises questions about the sexual selection theory of intelligence.