First impressions play an important role in human relationships, influencing perceptions and decisions from the first interactions between individuals. These initial judgments are created by the interpretation of various social cues, including facial appearance, body language and manner of speech. Understanding the psychology behind first impressions can offer valuable insight into how to establish strong relationships and avoid uncomfortable social interactions.
The Formation of First Impressions
Research indicates that first impressions are formed rapidly, often within milliseconds of encountering someone. These immediate assessments are influenced by facial features, expressions, attire, and posture. An article written by Psychology Today found that factors ranging from clothing style to posture play a role in how impressions are formed.
Facial cues, in particular, significantly impact perceived traits such as trustworthiness and competence. A 2006 study completed by researchers Willis and Todorov and a 1993 study by Ambady and Rosenthal both suggest that certain facial qualities can influence first impressions even when the person being judged does not actually possess the associated traits.
First Impressions in Job Interviews
When pursuing a job, first impressions can make or break an opportunity. Hiring managers often decide within minutes whether a candidate is a good fit, making it essential to communicate professionalism and enthusiasm from the outset. Factors that influence first impressions in interviews include:
- Appearance: Dressing appropriately for the industry signals professionalism.
- Handshake: A firm, confident handshake has been shown to convey competence and reliability.
- Nonverbal cues: Maintaining eye contact and displaying positive body language show engagement and confidence.
Research from Psychology Today suggests that a strong first impression can influence the “halo effect,” where initial positive traits are generalized to other areas of evaluation, such as skills and experience.
First Impressions in Building Friendships
First impressions also play a significant role in forming new friendships. People are more likely to seek deeper connections with those who exude warmth and approachability during initial encounters. Key factors include:
- Active listening: Showing genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings fosters trust and likability.
- Smiling: Smiling is a universal signal of friendliness, making others more likely to feel at ease.
- Authenticity: Being genuine helps create a sense of comfort and mutual respect.
A 2023 article published in Psychology Today on social bonding shows that forming positive first impressions during early interactions can predict long-term relationship success.
Impact on Memory and Social Interactions
First impressions are not only formed quickly but are also encoded into memory, affecting future interactions. A 2012 study published by the National Institutes of Health has shown that people rely on first impressions as an important tool to interpret social behavior, and these impressions are relevant for future interactions, requiring that they be transferred to memory.
“Research tells us that you have to meet someone seven more times to change a first impression,” AP Psychology teacher Mrs. Brandt said.
This first impression can also become a self-fulfilling prophecy for the other person.
“If I meet someone and my first impression is they’re not very polite, or they’re rude, I may make a fundamental attribution that they are a jerk.”
Implications and Applications
Understanding the psychology of first impressions has practical applications in various fields, including business, education and law enforcement. Recognizing the factors that influence initial judgments can lead to more effective communication strategies and help mitigate unintended biases.
“In the job opportunity, if you don’t make it through that first impression, you’re never going to get to know that person more,” Mrs. Brandt said. “You won’t be able to meet that person seven or so more times to dispel a bad first impression.”
However, this may raise the question “Can we do anything to prevent first impressions from making us develop biases toward others?”
“First impressions and the fundamental attribution error absolutely go together because we always want to make sense of the world in which we live,” Mrs. Brandt said. “We have to give an explanation. Even if we know about the fundamental attribution error, it doesn’t prevent us from using it to describe other people’s behavior from time to time.”
While we are not entirely capable of ignoring the impact first impressions have on our perception of others, it is possible for such perceptions to shift over time as we spend more time with other people and get to know them as who they truly are.
