What controlled study would you expect to find on something like this, and who would fund it? This definitely happens to both men and women, though often for different reasons. Gleaning what I can from what comes across as thinly-veiled misogyny, it sounds like you're more irritated that you've seen women take issue with this in a way that you (or maybe your peers) haven't. This post comes across as though you don't believe in sexism, and believe that women are overreacting.

I can't firmly speak to why it happens to men, as I'm not a man, but women are often told to smile by strangers or people in positions of power - who are frequently men. It does happen between other women, too, just not as much. It's not as neutral as you frame it, though it's not the worst thing that can happen to a woman, either. It's mainly pervy, controlling, unsolicited, and repetitive. I think we can all agree that most people don't want unsolicited comments about their appearance when they're just going about their day - whether that's at the supermarket, walking to the bus stop, waiting for friends, or on lunch. These comments usually aim to tell the woman (or man) to be more palatable, which is stupid and gross

Back to your point about controlled studies, and a lack thereof - did you know that there was a (retracted in 2020) 2013 study that rated the attractiveness of women with endometriosis? but here in 2026 we still don't understand the condition or how to quickly diagnose it, despite endometrial tissue being found in lungs, brains, and nasal cavity. So you're right in saying that we don't have enough studies, lmao

If you've read this far, I'd really suggest reading through the replies here with a genuinely open mind, rather than looking for people who reinforce the point you're trying to make. It's okay to have your mind changed, and it's not bad to admit that other people face issues that you don't, or take issue with things you don't