first impressions are almost impossible to change

Some of the brain regions involved in the limbic system are also involved in the brain mechanisms underpinning first impressions. Why? Well, it’s all thanks to our limbic system, which is responsible for our emotions. In other words, there is a possibility that first impressions are tightly connected with any biases we may have (and vice versa).įor better or worse, first impressions do stick and they stubbornly persistįirst impressions and any associated biases tend to stick for a long time and not to mention that they are incredibly difficult to change. Some of these brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, have been well-documented for its involvement in decision making and bias. Our brains are not only judgemental, but they can also be quite biasedĪdditionally, neuroscientists have discovered the plausible brain mechanisms underpinning first impressions. In fact, some studies suggest that the brain only takes a fraction of a second to determine certain traits, such as trustworthiness, status, and attractiveness. Thin-slicing refers to the brain’s impressive ability to integrate and process information about the new person and then come to a basic conclusion of their character. Research has demonstrated that the brain performs ‘ thin-slices’ within a split-second of meeting a new person. Within the first seven seconds of meeting a new person, you can bet that they have already formed a concrete impression of us – just as we have formed a snap judgement of them. Think that you have a few minutes to make an impression? Think again. Our brain does ‘judge a book by its cover’… and it judges insanely fast In some cases, we need to act even before we meet new people. We must quickly act to ensure a proper first impression. First impressions can make or break our reputation and potential relationships with others.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Will RogersĪt some point in our lives, we have heard of this classic quote and understood its sentiments. The science and power of first impressions

First impressions are almost impossible to change