“Intelligence Can Be Detected but Is Not Found Attractive in Videos and Live Interactions”, 2021-11-01 (; backlinks; similar):
Self-reported mate preferences suggest intelligence is valued across cultures, consistent with the idea that human intelligence evolved as a sexually selected trait. The validity of self-reports has been questioned though, so it remains unclear whether objectively assessed intelligence is indeed attractive.
In Study 1, 88 target men had their intelligence measured and based on short video clips were rated on intelligence, funniness, physical attractiveness and mate appeal by 179 women. In Study 2 (n = 763), participants took part in 2 to 5 speed dating sessions in which their intelligence was measured and they rated each other’s intelligence, funniness, and mate appeal.
Measured intelligence did not predict increased mate appeal in either study, whereas perceived intelligence and funniness did. More intelligent people were perceived as more intelligent, but not as funnier.
Results: suggest that intelligence is unimportant for initial attraction, which raises doubts concerning the sexual selection theory of intelligence.
[Keywords: intelligence, mate choice, sexual selection]