What makes something cool is primarily linked to the concept of autonomy, which means diverging from social norms in a way that feels appropriate. Caleb Warren explains that while autonomy is essential, it must be contextually suitable; for example, some behaviors can be autonomous yet viewed as inappropriate or unacceptable[4].
Additionally, Raymond Loewy's theory of 'Most Advanced Yet Acceptable' suggests that people prefer things that are both familiar and surprising. This balance encourages a blend of neophilia and neophobia—people are drawn to new ideas but also seek the comfort of familiarity[5][6]. Thus, something deemed cool typically embodies originality while still resonating with a sense of familiarity.
Get more accurate answers with Super Search, upload files, personalized discovery feed, save searches and contribute to the PandiPedia.
Let's look at alternatives: