Why do people assume that people those who wear glasses are intelligent and smarter?
By Anish Asokan
@RevivedWarrior (3594)
India
February 21, 2025 8:43am CST
A group of new joiners were talking about their experience and in between the conversation, some pointed out they feel few of us people are smarter and intelligent. When probed, the answer – because some of us were wearing glasses!
I understand the media portrayals and the long-standing cultural stereotypes always depicted people wearing glasses to be nerds or highest order or at least intelligent. Add to that most professors, scientist wear glasses -so that adds to the perception. I remember a female college mate mentioning to me that she would not be interested in me unless I remove my glasses as I have a studious appearance (Nope I still wear my glasses). The only reasons we need glasses is because we spend more time .
People need to understand that intelligence is not determined by visions. There are many who are intelligent and do not wear glasses. My take is glasses may shape some impressions about a person, but true intelligence is shown by knowledge, reasoning and experience rather than appearance. What’s your opinion?
9 people like this
11 responses
@MarkPaul (44)
•
21 Feb
Well, of course your take is correct but perhaps you are overlooking the power of first impressions. You see, someone who wears glasses is someone who is assumed (ASSUMED) is using and possibly overusing their eyes to read, to learn, to study. And, that assumption translates to someone who has obtained knowledge, reasoning, and yes even experience. It's a quick and easy assumption that doesn't require any effort by the person making that quick-and-dirty perception. So... that creates an opportunity for those who want to reflect that impression of themselves by making a fashion statement of wearing glasses.
Most people won't take the time to examine if a person is actually intelligent or not. That requires "too much" work. So, society takes a short-cut (and always will) by associating glasses with perceived intelligence.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5064)
•
5h
Glasses don’t boost IQ, they just help us see better! 
But hey, if they make me look smarter, I’ll take it! 
But hey, if they make me look smarter, I’ll take it! 
@snowy22315 (185419)
• United States
6h
Of course there are exceptions to every rule,but some research was dine on this at one time and the people who wore glasses did tend to be a bit mire intelligent Don't ask me why.
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
18h
It's amazing sometimes the assumptions we make about people.
@dgobucks226 (36096)
•
18h
As you say, there are certain stereotypes that pertain to people who wear glasses. But it is IQ which makes you smarter not lenses.
For proof just listen and watch the stupid questions the many glasses wearing reporters and media types ask.
@ptrikha_2 (47375)
• India
21 Feb
This stereotype about glasses is highly misplaced.
I have seen some very cunning but not so studious folks wearing specs.
Now even more girls are wearing specs but notions and bias do not go away easily.
Plus it is not easy talking with people who have such strong bias or notions.
@DaddyEvil (141843)
• United States
21 Feb
Unfortunately, some stereotypes come about because there is more than a grain of truth to the thinking... It's a fact that people who are more intelligent/smarter are 30% more likely to wear glasses than their less intelligent counterparts. The difference is in our genes.
https://www.labmate-online.com/news/microscopy-and-microtechniques/4/breaking-news/are-people-who-wear-glasses-smarter/46496
@porwest (96286)
• United States
21 Feb
Probably for the same reason if you put an Aussie or a Brit in front of a camera to speak about something for sale on an informercial, it sells more. People associate a sort of "sophistication" with it. It's false, of course. But when it comes to perceptions, sometimes it is all that matters.
@grenery8 (13526)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
21 Feb
i didn't want to wear glasses in high school cause i thought i would have been mocked due to being nerd but i wasn't still, i don't like wearing them when i take a walk, i feel more free without them. but, yes, public stereotype is still there. i am glad you didn't submit yourself of taking off your glasses for that girl
@lilacskies (4609)
• United States
21 Feb
This isn't always the case. Some people think they are ugly, pathetic, and losers as well. I know lots of jerks who make fun of people who wear glasses. They are horrible people and I avoid them as much as possible.
