The point of nipple erection 4: Male nipple erection engenders similar emotions as female nipple erection but triggers different altruistic reactions and sexual expectations.

Abstract

Research on nipple erection shows that men and women perceive female nipple erection to both cue and trigger positive emotions and perceive these women as less intelligent, less moral, and more sexual. Research on nipple erection has not examined what male nipple erection cues or elicits. In this study, male models with and without nipple erection were used as stimuli and men and women were asked what emotions these stimuli elicited, what they expected and were willing to do for these men, and their presumed sexual experiences. Just as with female nipple erection, men and women perceived male nipple erection as indicating positive emotions and sexual interest. Men did not differ in their willingness to do favors for or interact with men with nipple erection, but women were less likely to engage in either. In sum, men and women perceive male nipple erection to cue the same emotional states as female nipple erection, but react to it very differently, with men being indifferent and women being avoidant. Public Significance StatementThis study finds that both men and women perceive male nipple erection to signal positive and sexy emotional states ( just as with female nipple erection). However, men and women react to these stimuli very differently, with men being indifferent to and less willing to help these men, and women being less willing to expect help, give help, or socially interact with these men.

The point of nipple erection 5: Perception of female nipple erection by a Western European sample.

“…Widman and Burch (2023) have questioned whether responses to nipple erection would differ in other cultures, particularly those who wear less clothing. Widman and Burch (2023) discussed the potential factors:One could argue that reactions to nipple erection in cultures where masking occurs less often would be less severe: that men and women would be more aware that nipple erection was an unreliable, even if honest, cue. For example, cultures with more nudity or fewer layers of clothing would be more likely to attribute nipple erection to feeling cold or other factors instead of sexual arousal.…”

“…These differences result in variation in exposure to, social acceptance of, and familiarity with nipple erection and presumably its triggers. Widman and Burch (2023) allude to this variation; increased familiarity with uncovered, unmasked nipple erection provides more information to viewers about its triggers. One example is determining if nipple erection is the result of cold; other cues to cold would be seen on a naked torso, such as piloerection/horripilation (erect hairs and “goosebumps/gooseflesh”).…”