It is believed that red is bright, elegant. Many people like to use it in clothes. Meanwhile, from the point of view of scientists, it is not always safe. Why?
Red increases anxiety
Associated with blood and fire, red increases stress levels and increases nervous tension. American doctors conducted an experiment on students. As they looked at the orange-red color, their
vegetative functions (pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) increased. If they were shown a dark blue color, the opposite processes occurred.
It was also found that due to the excitement of the nervous system in a person who looks at red, the working capacity first increases, but then the productivity of labor sharply decreases, since the effect of red causes fatigue. If a person comes home tired and irritated and at the same time he is dressed in red, then he seeks to throw off these clothes and put on more calm colors.
Red is perceived as too aggressive
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Experts from the University of Durham (UK) gathered a group of 50 men and 50 women. They were shown pictures of men wearing different colored T-shirts and asked to rate their impressions of these people. The majority of those surveyed rated those who wore red T-shirts as more aggressive than those who wore gray or blue T-shirts. Therefore, the authors of the study say, red and its shades are best used only in certain social situations, for example, where it is necessary to demonstrate your dominant status and your competitiveness or intimidate the enemy.
Researchers at the University of North Dakota asked subjects which color they like best - red or blue? In parallel, they were subjected to personality tests. It turned out that those who opted for red were inclined towards hostility in interpersonal relationships.
At the next stage, the study participants were shown faded images in which it was difficult to distinguish colors, and were asked to answer the question, red or blue dominates in the picture. People who named red as dominant showed 25% more signs of potential aggression towards others. For example, they were more likely to fight back if their interests were in some way hurt by other people.
What is the secret here? Scientists believe that such preferences are due to evolution: for example, in ancient times, warriors painted their bodies red to look intimidating to enemies. Many individuals of the animal world blush as danger approaches. Also, in a state of anger, people often have a red face. That is, red is directly associated with a threat. Let us recall at least the notorious rag with which a bull is angered during a bullfight! By the way, earlier studies have shown that in a state of anger and rage, people prefer red.
Women in red seem more approachable
Most men think so. American psychologists surveyed 120 young people between the ages of 18 and 21. The majority of those surveyed said that women who choose red clothing appear to be more sexually adventurous than those who choose other colors.
Indeed, in the animal world, from time immemorial, the red color of the genitals, to which the blood rushed, was a sign of readiness for sexual intercourse. If you are in the mood for romance, not sex, this image strategy can lead to undesirable consequences.
Red makes you an easy target
In the British army, soldiers and officers wore red uniforms for a long time. British Guards often had to fight against the native population of the colonies, and red served as a powerful factor in the psychological impact on the enemy.
However, at the end of the 19th century, battle tactics changed. New powerful and long-range types of hand-held firearms have appeared.
During the Crimean War near the village of Balaklava, a brigade of British light cavalry, consisting of 5 hussar squadrons, was shot by Russian artillerymen. And during the Anglo-Zulu war, the Zulu, who were supported by the Dutch colonist hunters, mowed down the British units cleanly from bows and rifles. The red uniform made it easier for them to aim at the target. Today, red uniforms in England are worn only for formal ceremonies.
Daria Lyubimskaya