Skip to content

What Makes Some Teens More Popular Than Others – According to Scientists

April 28, 2024 | Jasmine Karichi

Even in school, playgrounds, or parks, there are always some popular kids, surrounded by a group of children who either want to befriend them or wish to be like them. Whether you are a parent or a co-student, sometimes you might be wondering about the science, which makes particular children famous. Understanding The Science Behind … Continued

Even in school, playgrounds, or parks, there are always some popular kids, surrounded by a group of children who either want to befriend them or wish to be like them. Whether you are a parent or a co-student, sometimes you might be wondering about the science, which makes particular children famous.

Understanding The Science Behind What Makes Certain Kids Popular 
Below we will talk more about the science which makes specific children popular. Plus, we included the critical information revealed by multiple studies. 

Virginia Slaughter, the professor of psychology and head of the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland, reveals in a study that respecting other’s mental viewpoints makes particular kids popular. Some previous studies indicate that the popularity of kids is also related to their skills of understanding others’ thoughts. Besides that, children who help other people solve complicated social situations are quite popular as well. 

As per the British Journal of Developmental Psychology, it is discovered that kids with a decent theory of mind are more famous. These children can easily understand what others are thinking about the existing situations. Other studies reveal that detecting lies is another factor that many popular kids possess. Due to all these skills, some children tend to become more popular than others. 

Image via Unsplash

As per the results of the novel longitudinal study, investigators observed three different types of kids’ popularity, and they are prosocial popular, aggressive popular, and strategic popular or Machiavellian. The third type, Machiavellian kids, are the most famous. It is because they can be fierce when they have to and also instantly become nice. From the same study, it is revealed that some kids are popular due to their cooperation skills. Besides that, a few kids have popularity because of their intimidation and fierce attitude.

Science believes that kids with more power and highly aggressive behavior are famous. But, aggressive kids who have decent impulse control are the most popular. According to science, below are some traits that often make particular kids more famous. 

Social skills 
Though science has not officially specified what certain aspects will make kids popular, it is believed that children with high-level social skills have more popularity than the rest. 

Physical appearance 
As per science and many studies, it is found that kids with better looks and fierce attitudes are recognized to be more famous. Several children admire the good-looking features of those popular kids and often surround them wherever they go.

Intelligence and problem-solving skills 
Intelligence and problem-solving skills are other factors that can also make some kids more popular, according to science. 

Sports enthusiast 
A few studies have shown that the kids who have a sports background and children that are good at playing sports often have the most popularity. 

Image via Unsplash

Sharing habit  
Another scientific reason that makes particular kids popular is their habit of sharing. These kids often tend to share their study notes, food, or other things, when someone asks them. 

Highly courageous 
Another study revealed that courageous behavior makes some kids more popular when compared to others.    

Leadership qualities 
Lastly, multiple studies also found that children who express leadership qualities are often the most popular. Some of those skills are clear vision, responsibility, interpersonal communication, creativity, quick and critical thinking. 

Final Word 
Based on various studies and scientific analyses, it is clear that there are numerous reasons why particular kids are popular. Some of the factors that make certain children famous are their intelligence, kindness, good looks, good impulse control, leadership skills, and many more. 

Recommended For You