Bigger Words Make Emotions More Intense

Bigger Words Make Emotions More Intense


Scientists have shown that words printed in larger font sizes elicit a stronger emotional response. A report, published in PLoS ONE, has show that reading all kinds of words — positive, neutral or negative — printed in larger fonts causes higher electrical potential in the brain than when words are printed in smaller fonts. Those increased voltages are experienced as more extreme, longer-lasting emotions.

The researchers suggest that our reaction to large words may be a result of an ancient, biological response, through which things that are larger subconsciously appear closer, and as such are treated with more caution. No word yet on how the brain responds to blinky text.

[PLoS ONE]


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.