“First Impressions Are Always Accurate” — A Misleading Belief


We have all heard this: "Trust your impression." It feels like our gut knows the truth before we can even think about it. The truth is, first impressions are quick, not always right. First impressions are formed fast.


~How First Impressions Form


When we meet someone, our brain starts making judgements about them in time based on things like

* Appearance

* Body language

* Tone of voice

* The situation we are in

This way of thinking is what thin slicing is about. Thin slicing is about our ability to make decisions based on information. Is thin slicing useful? Yes, it is. Is thin slicing always right? No, it is not.


~The problem with making judgments


1. They are driven by our biases. Our brains use shortcuts to make decisions, which can lead to mistakes like the following:

Halo Effect. When we think one good thing about someone means everything else about them is good. Confirmation Bias. When we look for information that supports what we thought about someone from the start. Once we have made up our minds about someone, it is hard to change our impression even if it is wrong. First impressions are hard to change.

2. They do not consider the situation. Someone might seem quiet because they are tired or rude because they are stressed or distant because they are uncomfortable. We often judge people without understanding what is going on with them.

3. They can become true because we believe them. When we think something about someone, we treat them that way without realising it. We notice things about them that fit what we think. We also ignore things that do not fit what we think. Over time what we think about someone becomes real. First impressions can become real.


~When First Impressions Fail


When first impressions are wrong, it can be surprising. Some of the relationships we have, whether personal or professional, start with wrong first impressions. People we thought were arrogant turn out to be kind. People who seemed shy turn out to be deep and warm. People who seemed confident turn out to be hiding their fears. Time often shows us a story. First impressions can be wrong.


~A way to do things 


Is to not trust our first impressions. Instead, we should:

-Stay curious about people

- Give people time to show us who they really are

-Think again about what we thought about them at first

We should think of impressions as a starting point, not a final decision. 


~Conclusion

First impressions feel real. They are often shaped by our biases, the situation and limited information. First impressions can be helpful. They are not always right. The truth is, people are more complex than what we think about them when we first meet them. People are more complex than our impressions of them.


For more content stay connected with Psychology: Myth vs Reality by 

Tanya Kakkar.

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