Everyone differs slightly in what they consider attractive or beautiful. Do you believe certain attributes are universally attractive? Do you believe one’s sense of beauty is intrinsic or learned? What influence do the media and one’s peers have on the concept of beauty? What other factors influence the perception of attraction?

My answer:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What might be attractive to one might not to another. There is a little bit of both because some are intrinsic for example, having a race preference, black versus white, big versus thin, tall versus short and sexual preference same sex versus opposite sex. On the other hand, some are learned through association. They either grew up in the environment or learned to love it and by association through hanging out with friends. The media and one’s peers create an image of what beauty should be. For example a six foot tall with a size 0. Therefore, the media and the peer create a false and unrealistic image of what beauty should be.
A variety of factors influence the perception of attractiveness in sexual and romantic relationships. In essence, attraction is influenced by cultural and societal context because one will never be able to know why do some people like abstract art while others prefer landscape.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What might be attractive to one might not to another. There is a little bit of both (both WHAT? because some some WHAT? are intrinsic for example, having a race preference, black versus white, big versus thin, tall versus short and sexual preference same sex versus opposite sex. ( <<Break this sentence into at least two sentences and develop this idea. On the other hand, some some WHAT? are learned through association. They Who is "they? either grew up in the environment or learned to love it and by association through hanging out with friends. The media and one’s peers create an image of what beauty should be. For example a six foot tall six-foot tall WHAT? with a size 0. Therefore, the media and the peer create a false and unrealistic image of what beauty should be.

A variety of factors influence the perception of attractiveness in sexual and romantic relationships. In essence, attraction is influenced by cultural and societal context because one will never be able to know why do some people like abstract art while others prefer landscape.

Good start, Rose.

In order to understand why certain attributes are universally attractive, one must consider evolutionary biology. Studies have shown that certain features, such as symmetrical faces, are generally perceived as more attractive because they may indicate good health and genetic fitness. This can be seen across different cultures and societies.

However, the concept of beauty is also shaped by cultural and societal norms. Standards of beauty can vary widely between different cultures and time periods. For example, in some cultures, a larger body size may be considered attractive, while in others, a slim figure may be preferred. These standards are learned through observation and cultural conditioning.

The media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of beauty. Advertisements, magazines, and social media often showcase a narrow and unrealistic image of beauty, promoting certain body types, skin colors, and features as ideal. This can create a sense of pressure and insecurity among individuals who do not fit these narrowly defined standards.

Peers also have an influence on the concept of beauty. Friends, family, and colleagues can shape our perceptions through their own preferences and judgments. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can lead individuals to conform to societal standards of attractiveness.

In addition to cultural and media influences, personal experiences and individual preferences also affect the perception of attraction. Each person has unique preferences and experiences that shape their understanding of beauty. Factors such as personal upbringing, past relationships, and individual interests can influence what someone finds attractive in others.

In summary, while there may be some attributes that are universally attractive due to evolutionary reasons, beauty is largely subjective and influenced by cultural, societal, and personal factors. The media and one's peers play a significant role in shaping the concept of beauty, but ultimately, each individual has their own unique perception of attractiveness based on their personal experiences and preferences.