Is there a secret recipe for being cool? According to a new study covered by The New York Times, there just might be. Researchers surveyed nearly 6,000 people from 12 countries and found six traits that define what makes someone “cool” across cultures: extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous.

The idea of “cool” seems surprisingly universal, thanks in part to American pop culture’s global reach. But the study also shows that being cool isn’t the same as being good — “good” people are often seen as more warm, agreeable, and traditional, while “cool” people stand out for their edge and independence.

Psychologists warn that chasing coolness — especially the risky, rebellious kind — can backfire. For teens, being cool might boost popularity in the short term but lead to bigger problems later in life. At the end of the day, researchers say having real friends and being well-liked matters more than trying to look cool.