Unpacking the Pete Davidson effect

Emma Kogel, Associate Design Editor

When it comes to what makes an attractive man, the internet has a lot of differing opinions.

For example, when it comes to the interesting dating life of comedian Pete Davidson, people, especially on social media, are confused about how he manages to date women that objectively seem miles out of his league. Best known for being engaged to Ariana Grande and dating Kim Kardashian, Davidson has confused and amazed people everywhere.

It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that an average-looking man has been able to date beautiful women. I mean, look at these couples in question. The man typically has a stellar personality that pulls these women in. I believe that’s the true secret that these men do not understand. It was said best by Evie Magazine, “Looks fade over time, but intelligence, wit, and charm are all characteristics that last well into old age.”

Davidson is just one example of this, but there are many other men that the internet speaks of who are average looking, but due to other factors, are considered to be widely desired by women. Some men that fall under this category are Jack Harlow, Evan Peters, Timothée Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White. All these men continuously are spoken about online for being very attractive, while others join in to speak on how they’re truly just average-looking males that only are looked at this way because of their overall demeanor.

This goes back to the ongoing conversation of the female gaze as opposed to the male gaze. Most women look for men who are open and honest and don’t feel like their masculinity is threatened all the time, which Davidson has displayed through his recurring role in “Saturday Night Live,”as well his incredibly public relationships.

Davidson is a mentally ill, tatted-up, damaged and sickly-looking individual that is unexpectedly irresistible. I understand how people could look at a photo of Davidson and think it’s crazy how he is considered one of the most desired men out there. But, I personally have to agree with what feels like the majority of women at this point.

Davidson has been considered to be “one of the most desirable male celebrities of our time” according to BuzzFeed News, which is something that especially men can’t seem to understand.

And of course, the fact that he is a comedian only helps his game. Many men don’t typically understand the Davidson obsession, which I think is due to the male gaze differing from the female gaze. The male gaze surrounds a woman’s looks, the vision of the picture-perfect woman we see through the media. So, when an average guy like Davidson shows up on everyone’s social media pictured with these stunning women, people are going to talk.

Davidson seems like the kind of guy you’d want to be around, and I believe that’s the reason behind the hold he has on women. I mean, if you use social media you’ve seen plenty of conversations surrounding the famous comedian.

And, even through all the positive and negative comments, this man continues to be the one getting all the hater’s dream girls.

The internet will continue to love and obsess over men that truly look like they’re dying and maybe don’t shower very often, but that’s just the way it goes. I know the older generations wouldn’t understand this trend but I think for the people who love the Davidsons of the world, it all comes down to their vibe. What I’m saying is, I believe the Davidson haters out there can learn something from a guy like him. And, then maybe, they’ll be going out with their own Kardashian one day.