First impressions cannot be changed because they are constantly recalled, can reveal a person’s character, and can reveal qualities. If one later discovers information that challenges the perception, the brain classifies the material as an exception rather than using it to change the norm. About this new information’s context, they specifically associate the exception with it; all other contexts receive the ‘default’ association. First impressions are indeed crucial and challenging to change because they affect interpersonal interactions and how later information is interpreted.
There exist a wide variety of scenarios in which someone could meet someone for the first time and establish an opinion. These options include the office, the classroom, a cafe, a party, and social media. Perhaps the most natural places to meet new people are at school and work. Real-world interaction among people is not necessary for impressions to form. The bulk of initial impressions is now made through an electronic screen as social media usage keeps growing. Impressions are extremely potent as they can either make or destroy a person whether they are made in person or online (Graves). For instance, one might think of themselves as assured, agreeable, and friendly as they may first come across as pleasant and appealing due to their strong self-esteem, but this initial image quickly deteriorates.
By analyzing the dynamics between the first impression and the second impression, it can be seen that typically, the initial bad impression results in subsequent interactions being chilly and less friendly. Since the second impression can make up for the first, first impressions are typically malleable. A storehouse of experiences, serve as the foundation for impressions. Positive or unpleasant memories might be preserved in these places. The initial impression, whether positive or negative, can affect how the two people interact in the future. However, when people continue to make new friends and reconnect with old acquaintances, their opinions about those people are subject to shift. For example, if someone initially judged as a coward, goes on to provide a powerful speech on marketing, the perception of cowardice will still exist except when they are delivering a speech on marketing. The observer will automatically adopt an unfavorable opinion of the presenter in subsequent settings, even if they are unrelated to the ones where the observer first got that impression.
The primacy effect, the perceptual propensity to place a higher emphasis on the first information obtained on a subject, makes first impressions challenging to overcome. They have the power to create an expectation that will have an impact on how later information is interpreted. Through psychological studies as well as personal testimonials, modern humanity has proven that it is capable of getting over first impressions (Graves). Factors such as surprise, change in character, and time can help both fictional and real, overcome first perceptions.
In conclusion, first impressions are formed quickly and cannot be changed. Practically everything about a person’s character, including their dependability, skill, and assertiveness, is already presumptive in a split second. A good first impression can pave the way for future enjoyable interactions. A bad first impression could inspire apathy, which might lead to a strange relationship or even nothing at all.
Work Cited
Graves, Philip. “First Impressions Are Hard to Change.” Web.