https://jangirrajan.medium.com/why-is-the-first-impression-so-important-6475017a97ed
https://www.kmtransformational.com/blog/the-importance-of-making-a-great-first-impression
First impressions are important because they can have a strong and lasting impact on how we perceive and judge others. Within seconds of meeting someone, we form initial judgments about their personality, competence, trustworthiness, and likeability. These snap judgments then tend to bias our subsequent interactions and evaluations of that person, even in the face of contradictory evidence.
Research has shown that first impressions are particularly influential when we have limited information about someone. In these situations, we rely heavily on visual cues and social stereotypes to fill in the gaps. Something as simple as a person’s appearance, body language, or tone of voice can shape our initial impression of them.
Furthermore, first impressions are difficult to change once formed. We have a cognitive bias known as the “primacy effect” which causes us to weigh initial information more heavily than information encountered later. This makes it challenging to overcome a negative first impression, even if a person’s subsequent behavior contradicts that initial assessment.
The impact of first impressions extends beyond just personal relationships. In professional contexts, first impressions can influence hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and opportunities for advancement. Individuals who make a positive first impression are often perceived as more capable, trustworthy, and hireable compared to those who make a poor first impression.
In summary, first impressions matter because they provide a quick, powerful, and often lasting assessment of someone that can profoundly shape our attitudes and behaviors towards them. Being mindful of this can help us strive to make the best possible first impression in both our personal and professional lives.