The Art and Science of First Impressions

A Introduction

In the fast-paced world we live in, first impressions can make or break a connection.  The snap judgements we make about people are often long lasting and difficult to change. We are probably all much more influenced by them than we realise. But, how reliable are these rapid judgements?

B

The notion of discerning internal traits through facial features dates back centuries going back at least as far as Aristotle, who claimed that, "It is possible to infer character from features". In the late 1700s, Swiss pastor Johann Kaspar Lavater popularised this belief through physiognomy. Features like the nose shape, jawline, and forehead width were thought to mirror qualities like intelligence, kindness, or perseverance. However, physiognomy's credibility waned due to its links with phrenology, a theory asserting personality traits were determined by skull bumps. As science progressed, phrenology was discredited, which had a knock on effect on serious scientific interest in physiognomy.

C

In recent decades there has been significant scientific research into the power and accuracy of first impressions. One study carried out by Jeremy Biesanz, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, looked at how first impressions connect with looks, and their subsequent accuracy. His study revealed that attractive people are perceived more favourably and, perhaps surprisingly, that these positive characteristics are later confirmed to be true. In a special meeting setup where strangers met for a short while, the study found that if someone was thought of as attractive, they were also seen in both a more positive and a more accurate way. While this study may at first sight appear to show a concrete connection between good looks and positive character traits, in reality it demonstrates that we judge less attractive people too negatively.

D

Another study conducted by the University of York underscores the speed at which first impressions are formed based on a person’s face and how important they can be.“Facial impressions are relevant given that these occur very briefly (in as little as 33 milliseconds) and they are consequential, for instance, predicting government election results and influencing romantic preferences”, explained study author Jennifer K. South. In mere milliseconds, we assess trustworthiness, status, and attractiveness, even in situations where we might expect people to apply more rational judgement.

E

Princeton researcher Alexander Todorov's work likewise suggests that first impressions are formed within a fraction of a second of seeing a face, and that these snap judgments can predict important decisions such as who we vote for in elections. However, his research also suggests that, despite their influence, first impressions are often inaccurate, and we would guess more accurately if we ignored faces. In fact, the impressions we draw from faces reveals a map of our own biases and stereotypes, rather than providing a map to the personalities of others.

F

Looking at another aspect of first impressions, the psychologist Phil McAleer carried out research into impressions of personality based on the qualities of a person’s voice. In an experiment, voices were associated with traits like trustworthiness, aggression, and warmth. The pitch and intonation played significant roles in these snap judgments, underlining the importance of vocal cues.

G

While research supports the potency of first impressions, it also recommends caution. Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman warns that first impressions can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. Our expectations shape our perceptions, potentially masking contrary evidence. As in many areas of life, we pay attention to what we expect to see, and ignore what we don’t.

H Conclusion

Based on the research we have so far, first impressions are clearly powerful, and exert considerable influence on us as we meet and form assessments of the people around us. The research reveals the rapid formation of these impressions, however it cannot guarantee their accuracy. Rather, psychological studies suggest that we should remain vigilant, acknowledging our innate biases and the potential pitfalls they create.