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Beer Goggles Are A Myth, According To New Study

Have you ever found yourself waking up after a night out and wondering, “What was I thinking?” You know, that moment when you realize you might have made some questionable…

A fan wearing beer goggle glasses on the 16th hole during the third round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

A fan wearing beer goggle glasses on the 16th hole during the third round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Scott Halleran via Getty Images

Have you ever found yourself waking up after a night out and wondering, "What was I thinking?" You know, that moment when you realize you might have made some questionable choices under the influence? Well, it turns out that alcohol's alleged power to transform less appealing appearances into attractive ones might not hold up to scrutiny. In other words, "Beer Goggles" are fake news.

According to a new study that's shaking things up, the infamous concept of "beer goggles" might just be a myth. Previous research had participants look at photos and rate people's attractiveness, often confirming the idea that a few drinks can make others seem more appealing. But this study took things a step further, replicating the real-life experience of mingling at a bar.

The twist? Instead of just viewing photos, participants were told they'd actually be meeting the people depicted. Interestingly, this small tweak changed the game. Whether they were sober or a few drinks deep, participants' perception of attractiveness remained consistent. In other words, the idea that alcohol drastically changes our judgment on looks might not hold water.

Beer Goggles? No. Confidence? Yes!

However, don't put your "liquid courage" on the back burner just yet. The study did uncover something else that rings true: alcohol's knack for boosting confidence. After rating the photos, participants were asked to choose individuals they'd like to meet in person. With a bit of alcohol in their systems, they were almost twice as likely to go for the individuals they had deemed the hottest.

In essence, the study suggests that while alcohol might not actually modify our perception of physical beauty, it can embolden us to take chances we might not have considered sober. So, in the end, "beer goggles" might not be about rose-colored glasses, but rather the confidence to dive into the unknown with a shot of liquid courage.

6 Classic Summer Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make

Summer is in full swing! With the July 4th holiday just days away, now felt like an appropriate time to make sure your summer cocktail game is up to snuff.

Whether you find yourself road tripping in an RV, heading to a cabin or hosting a BBQ in your backyard, you should know how to make these six classic summer cocktails.

Margarita

shutterstock_571725262.jpgTeri Virbickis/Shutterstock.com

Negroni

shutterstock_1127029988.jpgMicaela Fiorellini/Shutterstock.com

Pina Colada

shutterstock_757511452.jpgLiliya Kandrashevich/Shutterstock.com

Mai Tai

shutterstock_449441356.jpgBrent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Paloma

shutterstock_641845363.jpgiuliia_n/Shutterstock.com

Hurricane

shutterstock_642632335.jpgBrent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Listen to Ransom Garcia weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 107.9 Coyote Country!

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Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.