Research has found a link between a love of loud cars with modified mufflers and dark personality traits such as sadism and psychopathy.
Personality and cars
The dark side of loud cars
Canadian psychologist Julie Aitken Shermer conducted a survey of over 500 respondents, studying the relationship between "dark" personality traits and a passion for cars with loud exhaust sounds. The average age of respondents was 18 years, 52% of them were men. Participants answered questions about attitudes toward loud cars and modifications to mufflers, and also filled out a questionnaire on the “dark triad” of traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy and sadism.
Attention and the pleasure of scaring
Shermer suggested that the desire to modify the exhaust system for a louder sound may be associated with the desire to attract attention. The results showed that sadism and psychopathy tended to be common among those who wanted to make louder exhaust sounds, felt more connected to their cars, and thought loud cars were cool. Such people probably enjoy the fearful reaction of others.
Correlation with the “dark triad”
As a result, high scores on the desire to have a loud car demonstrated a connection with each of the dark triad qualities (although in the case of Machiavellianism and narcissism this connection was less pronounced than with sadism). However, the study has limitations: the sample consisted of relatively young students at one university, and respondents were only asked about desire to own noisy cars, not actual ownership.
Glossary
- Julie Aitken Shermer - Canadian psychologist who conducted the study
- University of Western Ontario - university in Canada, where the study was conducted
- Psychology Today - a popular website about psychology
- Machiavellianism - a tendency to manipulate and selfishness in achieving goals
- Narcissism - excessive narcissism and inflated self-esteem
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Questions answered
What did the study show about people's desire to modify their car mufflers?
How was the study conducted and who took part in it?
Why did researchers decide to study this topic?
What limitations and caveats should be considered when interpreting the study results?
Where are the results of this study published?
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Discussion of the topic – Drifting and loud cars: signs of sadistic tendencies?
A study by Canadian scientists showed that fans of loud cars with modified mufflers often have “dark” personality traits and signs of mental disorders.
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Алексей
Honestly, I don’t understand fans of loud cars 🚗💨 Why are you doing this? Doesn't this bother others?
Эмма
I am also against noisy cars. 🙅♀️ Especially in the mornings when they drive past my house. This is just a disgrace! 😠
Джек
Well, I still like to listen to the roar of a powerful engine. 🏎️ It sounds masculine and fascinating. But I try not to abuse it. 😅
Софи
I agree that loud noise can attract attention. 👀 But is this really the only way to prove yourself? Why scare people like that? 🤔
Андрей
Brrr, these mods with their tuned mufflers are already enough! 😒 It would be better to spend the money on something useful, and not on these stupid fads.
Луи
Well, I don't know, guys. 🤷♂️ It seems to me that loud sound is a kind of self-expression and freedom. Let people do what they want, as long as it is not prohibited by law.
Мария
In my opinion, this is just a childish desire to attract attention. 👶 Adults should behave more responsibly and respect others. 💁♀️
Ян
But I recently learned that some motorcyclists have special mufflers that can be adjusted. 🏍️ So they can drive quietly in the city, and on the highway please themselves with the roar of the engine. This, I understand, is a reasonable approach! 👍