In the vast landscape of debates on social media, a recent viral topic has sparked an interesting conversation about our sense of smell. The controversy began with an apparently harmless observation by Harrison Cezp, a 23-year-old Brit now living in Florida. His friend casually remarked that “it smells like it’s going to rain,” a statement that Cezp found odd. “I’ve never heard anyone say that before,” Cezp admitted, reflecting on his experiences in Cleethorpes, England, where such comments were absent. Curiously, Cezp took to TikTok to find out if this was a uniquely American trait, labelling the notion of Americans having a better sense of smell “ridiculous.”
The response was overwhelming. Cezp’s video sparked a firestorm of responses, sparking a heated debate that included more than 80,000 comments and multiple reaction videos. Some users, such as @yvanabee, claimed that Americans are more in tune with their surroundings, detecting smells like freshly cut grass or rain more acutely. This phenomenon has been dubbed “scent culture” by some, suggesting that Americans may have greater olfactory sensitivity than Europeans.
But is there any substance to this online debate, or is it simply the product of a social media sensation? To solve this mystery, we need to take a deeper look at how genetics, culture, and environment can influence our sense of smell.
The science of smell: A complex web
Our sense of smell, or olfaction, is a surprisingly complex sense, involving a delicate interplay of genetics, environment, and personal experience. The olfactory system, responsible for detecting and processing odors, is influenced by a variety of factors.
Genetics: Our ability to detect different odors is partly determined by our genetic makeup. Research has shown that genetic variations can influence how we perceive certain odors. For example, some individuals are more sensitive to certain compounds, while others cannot detect them at all. This genetic variability contributes to why two people may perceive the same odor differently.
Age and sex: These factors also play important roles. Studies have consistently shown that women have a stronger sense of smell than men, and this ability can fluctuate with age. For example, older adults often experience a decline in olfactory sensitivity, which can affect their overall odor perception.
Cultural influences: Culture can shape how we perceive and describe smells. In English-speaking countries, we often use similes to describe smells, such as “It smells like rain” or “It’s like freshly cut grass.” This descriptive approach may influence how we identify and categorise odours. Conversely, some cultures have a richer vocabulary for different smells, which may enhance their ability to identify and differentiate them.
The American vs European smell debate
The notion that Americans may have a more acute sense of smell than Europeans is fuelled by anecdotal evidence and personal observations shared on platforms such as TikTok. But does this claim hold up under scientific scrutiny?
Environmental factors: One possible explanation for differences in smell sensitivity may be environmental factors. For example, exposure to different odours and pollutants may shape our olfactory abilities. The air quality in different areas may influence the way our olfactory system develops and functions. Some research suggests that pollution may reduce our sense of smell, which may account for differences between more and less polluted areas.
Cultural and experiential factors: Cultural practices and experiences also play a role. Areas where people are more attuned to certain odors due to local practices or environments may have increased sensitivity. For example, individuals living in areas with a greater presence of aromatic plants or spices may be more adept at recognizing these odors.
Training and expertise: There is also evidence that training can improve our sense of smell. In the same way that sommeliers undergo extensive training to hone their olfactory skills, people who regularly engage in activities that involve recognizing odors, such as cooking or making perfumes, may have a more developed sense of smell. This trained sensitivity may contribute to the notion that certain populations are more adept at detecting odors.
Global research on olfactory sensitivity
Several studies have explored olfactory differences across populations, providing some insight into the broader context of the smell debate.
Cultural studies: Research comparing different populations has shown variation in olfactory sensitivity. For example, a 2014 study comparing people from the Cook Islands, Europe, and the Tsimane’ people of Bolivia found that Cook Islanders had more European ancestry.