Being aware of these effects can help us be more mindful about the impressions we form and how they influence us.
Physical Imprint: In a physical context, an impression can denote a mark or outline left by pressing an object onto a surface, such as the imprint of a coin in clay.
Artistic Representation: In the arts, it refers to an imitation or representation, particularly in caricature or performance, where one mimics another's traits.
First impressions can have a significant influence on our behavior in several key ways: They shape our expectations and future interactions. Research shows that first impressions tend to be long-lasting and can affect how we perceive and interact with someone even months later. We often interpret future behavior through the lens of our initial impression.
They can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. If we form a positive first impression of someone, we may act more warmly toward them, which in turn elicits more positive behavior from them - confirming our initial impression. The reverse can happen with negative first impressions.
They impact decision-making. Studies have found that first impressions significantly predict employers' behavior during job interviews and ultimate hiring decisions. We often make quick judgments that then influence major decisions.
They affect approach/avoidance behavior. We use first impressions to determine who to approach or avoid in social situations. A negative first impression may cause us to physically or emotionally distance ourselves from someone.
They influence information processing. We tend to seek out and remember information that confirms our first impressions while discounting contradictory information, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.
They can lead to discriminatory practices. Negative first impressions related to stigmatized groups can result in avoidance behaviors and discriminatory treatment.
They impact physiological responses. Research has found that negative first impressions can trigger threat responses and increased physiological arousal during subsequent interactions.
They shape memory formation. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, involved in forming impressions, shows increased activity when intentionally forming impressions. This engagement supports encoding those impressions into memory.
They activate overgeneralization effects. We tend to overgeneralize our adaptive responses to certain facial features from impressions of strangers with similar features.
They trigger cognitive biases. For example, the primacy effect causes us to weigh information learned first more heavily than later information when forming impressions.
While first impressions can form rapidly and may not always be accurate, they have a profound and lasting impact on our cognitions, emotions, and behaviors in social interactions. Being aware of these effects can help us be more mindful about the impressions we form and how they influence us.
0 comments:
Post a Comment