If you want to be the 'cool person' in the room, science says you need to do these six things.

Whether it's Aubrey Plaza's deadpan delivery, Zendaya's flawless fashion, or Ryan Gosling's dry humour, some people just exude 'coolness'. And while you may think they were just born with a certain je ne sais quoi, science has proven otherwise.

A new study from the American Psychological Association surveyed 6,000 people across 12 countries (Australia included) and discovered there are exactly six traits that make someone universally cool.

According to the study, a 'cool' person will be extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous.

So, what does this mean? Cool people are extroverted (they're socially confident), hedonistic (they pursue pleasure and experiences), powerful (they have influence and presence), adventurous (they take risks and try new things), open (they're receptive to new ideas and experiences), and autonomous (they march to their own beat).

Frankly, it sounds exhausting. But who am I to argue with science?

Listen to The Quicky discuss the science of being cool. Post continues below.

"We all know a 'cool' person and it's almost an enigma," clinical psychologist Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides told Mamamia.

"I tend to think the number one trait that defines this coolness is being independent of consensus thought, choice or dress (autonomy). It is the quality of not being afraid to stand out and set a new way of doing things."

This, she says, is hardwired into our brains. We're drawn to people who display individuality because they represent freedom; something most of us are too scared to fully embrace.

"They challenge the norms, go against the status quo and are unashamed to be themselves (even if it makes them 'different' in their thoughts, style and so on). It makes them influential and admirable," Dr Lukeides explained.

When we see someone exhibiting these 'cool' traits, "parts of our brain actually become active", said the psychologist.

"Like the medial prefrontal cortex, because it taps into social perception, behaviour, and cognition. We are interpreting and evaluating mental states, intentions and the social relevance of others."

It feeds into the idea of social hierarchy; a structure that goes back to our caveman days.

"The brain longs for the perceived safeness of being on top of social hierarchy. There is a presumption that those at the top are more liked and admired, and this is the social currency that we have evolved to pursue."

Back in hunter-gatherer times, being popular literally meant survival, better resources, stronger alliances, more protection. Now, it's all about social capital, but in terms of cultural currency, influence, and the power to shape trends and conversations.

Particularly in pop culture, being perceived as 'cool' or 'uncool' can change the trajectory of a celebrity's career.

"There are generally two strategies we use to climb the social ladder," explained Dr Lukeides. "We either get to the top by being cool (setting the trends and defining the social hierarchy) or we scramble to fit in and make ourselves similar to others. This can determine what social currency is currently trending, and we will often contort ourselves to achieve this.

"A pressure to be cool likely encourages someone to actively think about it, attempting to elevate their status, or going against their own individuality in a bid to seem cool, but in the process making themselves less cool."

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Of course, social media has also democratised 'coolness', meaning that anyone with a phone and the right vibe can build their own social capital. Basically, you no longer need a Met Gala invitation from Anna Wintour or a record deal to become influential.

As Dr Lukeides explained: "Before social media, the only real way someone could become 'cool' would be through a gatekeeper, whether that's a fashion editor, record label, club promoter or casting agent.

"In those days, people would require approval or endorsement from the gatekeepers to be elevated into the cool status, whereas now, social media provides a direct line to audiences."

But while anyone can curate their feed to display extroversion, hedonism, power, adventure, openness and autonomy, the psychologist says it's usually easy to sniff out inauthenticity.

"It's such a paradox because, sadly, trying to be cool often deems someone uncool," she said. "Rather than feeling pressured to be cool, try to place an emphasis on being yourself (which is a trait that often signals cool status), and understand where this pressure might be coming from."

These days, we see so many examples of what it means to be 'cool' online, and it can warp our perception of ourselves and how we think we should present ourselves, both on social media and offline.

"Take a break from scrolling," suggested Dr Lukeides. "Put some boundaries in place about how much you're using social media, and instead, focus on things you can do that might encourage you to be confidently you."

Feature Image: Getty