Cognitive and Neurological Mechanisms of Cuteness Perception: A New Perspective on Moral Education

ABSTRACT Effects of cuteness‐perception on individual cognition, emotion, behavior have significant implications for moral education. On the one hand, cuteness perception will make individuals think that moral violations are more serious and lead to tougher moral judgments; on the other hand, cuteness perception can activate moral emotions such as compassion and empathy, and induce to expand the scope of moral concern. Cuteness perception can also promote people to engage in altruistic moral behaviors such as donating, helping, etc. Based on these findings, we suggest to provide the lively content of moral education with diverse educational forms and take advantage of the anthropomorphic effect of cuteness while reduce the negative effects of cuteness.