So, you’re average? Congratulations, you’re statistically interesting

If one asks someone to describe themselves, chances are that the person will use the word “average.” Average height, average intelligence, average looks, average lifestyle: “I am just an average person.” It seems innocent and modest, but the word has more meanings than we think.

I have used the same word as well. Saying “I am average” is convenient because it helps you avoid making enemies, alienating people, and it can stop awkward conversations about you easily. It is like wearing beige: safe, respectable, bringing no attention.

But why do people say that in the first place?

One reason is social comparison. Humans compare themselves to evaluate their lives because it helps them gauge whether they are doing well in terms of life success. When everyone looks richer, fitter, smarter, and more successful online, calling oneself average helps lower the pressure of competition.

There is also false modesty, although it may not be intentional. Many cultures teach people humility, and say that it is bad to praise yourself. Thus, saying “I am average” sounds much better than saying “I am very good at this.”

Sometimes, it is just a defense mechanism. In this case, if someone says they are an ordinary person, they are less likely to be embarrassed. When they succeed and exceed expectations but then fail, they can still say they didn't go beyond mediocrity. This creates a very interesting and effective psychological trick.

The situation, however, can go in two directions.

In daily usage, the word “average” helps people put things into perspective. It shows that no one is expected to be spectacular all the time. However, if people use it too often, they start believing they are average, lose the ability to notice their advantages, miss chances, and underestimate themselves. Once labeled “average,” one starts believing it: “think average, behave average, expect average.”

Another problem that arises is that average can suppress individuality. One might be average in height but amazing at being creative in nature, average in academic performance but extraordinary as a leader, average in salary but fabulous in kindness. People are combinations, not spreadsheets.

Statistics illustrate this well. The average values- mean, median, and mode enable us to illustrate different features of a population. Even the average cannot be the same in different scenarios, since it naturally can’t encapsulate every aspect of a person.

A good income example is nine people with an ordinary income and one billionaire in the room. The average income suddenly becomes impressive. Everyone can call themselves rich.

So I don't trust the word average. Sometimes it can mean humility, a joke, a mask, or a simple self-assurance, and sometimes it can just mean “please do not pay too much attention to me.”