Does anyone else ever get tired
of the incredibly stupid studies done by "scientists"? Take this one,
for instance:
One U.S. sponsored study funded
the expenses for a group of gay men and the scientists conducting the
"experiment" to live in a country in South America (Brazil or
Venezuela) for three years, to study why gay men have promiscuous sex when they
are drunk.
First … and this is just a hunch on my part here
… but because alcohol lowers inhibitions? And secondly … perhaps for the same
reason heterosexual men have promiscuous sex when they are drunk? And thirdly …
(this is more of a question, but it's also a point) … they could only conduct
this experiment in South America? Would the results be skewed if they did the
study in the United States? Personally, it sounds more like those gay men and a
team of "scientists" found a way for taxpayers to fund a three-year
trip abroad under the guise of a scientific experiment.
Which brings me to the real story
(below). After reading this particular "study", I have deduced a few facts about the scientist in charge of
this little endeavor:
- They are a morning person
- This person is now divorced … and
I suspect it was quite bitter
- Their ex … whom they
perceive to have the characteristics of "The Dark Triad" … was a
night owl.
I have read about a number of ridiculous
studies, but this one takes the cake:
Australian
researchers have discovered that a preference for staying up late or into the
early hours has a direct link to anti-social behaviour and so-called Dark Triad
traits.
The Dark Triad
traits consist of narcissistic and selfish actions, cunning or deceitful
Machiavellian behaviour and psychopathic tendencies. The Dark Triad is a group
of three personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy.
- The narcissistic
personality is characterised by a 'grandiose self-view, a sense of entitlement,
lack of empathy, and egotism.
- The Machiavellian
personality is characterised by manipulation and exploitation of others, with a
disregard for morality and a focus on self-interest and deception.
- A psychopathic
personality is characterised by thrill-seeking, selfishness, callousness, lack
of personal affect, superficial charm, and remorselessness.
The paper claims the
results are consistent with a 'niche-specialisation' hypothesis. Niche
specialisation is the process where traits have developed over time, through
evolution.
Dr Jonason said in
the study: 'It could be adaptively effective for anyone pursuing a fast life
strategy like that embodied in the Dark Triad to occupy and exploit a low-light
environment where others are sleeping and having diminished cognitive
functioning.
Such features of the
night may facilitate the causal sex, mate-poaching, and risk-taking the Dark
Triad traits are linked to.' For example, humans and animals may have evolved
to be night owls because the low-light conditions made it possible to carry out
these behaviours and actions without being seen.
Really, Dr. Jonason … isn't this
just a little heavy-handed? Just because I like to stay up late and hate to get
up early, you're branding me a "promiscuous,
mate-poaching risk-taker"?
As one of those dreaded creatures,
I am offended!! I might be a night owl, but I'm actually quite afraid of the
dark … and I'm very quiet when up late so as not to wake or disturb anyone. My covert actions, carried
out in a "low-light
environment where others are sleeping and have diminished cognitive functioning" include reading,
writing, updating my author's website, folding laundry, dusting, making grocery
lists, wrapping presents or shopping online for the perfect gift for loved
ones, signing and addressing cards for family and friends for Valentine's Day,
St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or
just because I know someone could use a few kind or encouraging words, pinning recipes or
funny jokes on my Pinterest page, or playing word games on my iPad.
Golly
… reading what I do at night just gave me shivers … I DO sound dangerous!!!
