“If
you want to make a good impression, it is critical that it is done in person,” said
Jeremy Biesanz, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia, who conducted
three studies comparing the accuracy and bias of first impressions when formed
under different circumstances.
The first study analyzed a series of experiments involving more
than 1,000 participants who met each other through either a three-minute
speed-dating style interview or by watching a video of the person.
“What we observe here is that the accuracy of impressions is the
same when you meet someone face to face or simply watch a video of them,” Biesanz
said. “However, impressions are much more negative when you form impressions
more passively through watching videotapes.”
While people could accurately attribute certain personality
traits, such as extroverted, arrogant, or sociable, to others in person or by
video, the magnitude of the positive attributes was lower via video, while the
negatives attributes were higher.
The researchers found similar results in two other studies,
including one that compared in-person impressions to those obtained by looking
at Facebook photos. The other study compared in-person meetings to simply
watching someone as a passive observer. In all cases, the passive means of
making impressions were as accurate as the active ones, according to the
researchers.
“However, there is an extremely large difference in the
positivity of impressions,” he said. “More passive impressions are
substantially more negative.”
Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at
www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at
www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
