HotFlation: The Connection Between Beauty and Geography - SendMeRSS
Posted by elveston priory at 11:20 pm 
Recently released photo rating site, HotFlation, is a direct attack on my Midwestern roots. The site is based on the phenomenon behind people appearing “hotter” in certain parts of the country. I have personally studied this phenomenon and am eager to see if HotFlation results align with my own analysis. During a trip to California, I was repeatedly mistaken for Brad Pitt only to be called Michael Moore the next week by a San Diego native visiting Wisconsin.
HotFlation is complete with traditional social networking features such as the ability to submit photos, create a profile, and interact with other users. The collected data on relative “hotness” of people in different geographies provides interesting sociological data, including comparisons detailing regional perceptions of beauty (surely the site’s intent). Ironically, the “hotter” label is usually attached to warmer locations like starlets from Hollywood, celebrities in Vegas, studs from San Diego, belles from Georgia, etc. Body temperature must enhance beauty. If only I had a fever.
Users can also tag pictures during rating. The left hand picture from the screenshot below could possess the tag “Hair Styling courtesy of Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz.” On the right, the label “Two chicks, one ugly one” already adorns the photo and I dare not alter an accurate description. For those not satisfied with the amusement provided by HotFlation, MTV recently launched a similar platform entitled NEXTorNOT.
