Why are “average faces” attractive?

Evolutionarily speaking, it is more predictable and safer to invest in mating with individuals that do not exhibit traits that deviate too much from the average, but rather represent it, which is an indicator of genetic variety and general fertility.

Extreme and uncommon traits can also be indicators of disadvantageous mutations, and avoiding them ensures a more gradual and healthy evolution of the species’ population.

If one takes an average of the somatic traits of all people, the resulting face appears very familiar and attractive, while as one deviates from the average, it is psychologically perceived as less reliable.

This tendency of individuals to mate with members of the species who share as many common features as possible is called homophily.