The 7-Second Rule: How Quickly Do We Judge Others?

We’ve all heard the phrase, “First impressions matter.” But did you know that it really takes just 7 seconds for your brain to form an opinion about someone? Some studies suggest it can happen in as little as one-tenth of a second based on facial features alone. This rapid judgment influences how we perceive people, interact with them, and even decide whether we trust them. But what exactly happens in those first few seconds, and how reliable are these snap judgments?

The Science Behind First Impressions

Our brains are wired for efficiency, constantly processing vast amounts of information in a very short time. According to psychologists, people judge traits like trustworthiness, competence, and likability in under a second. This rapid assessment is largely influenced by evolution, where quick decision making helped our ancestors determine friend from foe.

Additionally, another study in Psychological Science found that first impressions formed from a person’s face alone tend to remain unchanged, even after prolonged interaction. This means our initial judgment, however inaccurate, can strongly shape our perception of someone long-term.

What Factors Influence First Impressions?

1. Facial Expressions & Body Language

A genuine smile can make someone appear friendly and approachable, while crossed arms or a furrowed brow might signal defensiveness or aggression. Body language accounts for nearly 55% of first impressions, according to Albert Mehrabian’s communication model.

2. Appearance & Clothing

People can judge competence and professionalism based on attire within seconds. A well-dressed individual is often perceived as more successful and reliable than someone dressed casually, highlighting the halo effect, where one positive trait influences overall perception.

3. Tone of Voice

Even without seeing someone, we can form opinions based on tone, pitch, and speed of speech. A confident, clear voice can make someone seem more authoritative, whereas a hesitant or monotone voice might signal uncertainty.

4. Preconceived Biases

Our personal experiences, cultural background, and media exposure shape unconscious biases, which influence how we perceive people. For example, certain facial features or accents may trigger assumptions about a person’s character before they even speak.

Can First Impressions Be Changed?

While first impressions are powerful, they are not always accurate and can be changed over time. Engaging in meaningful conversations, demonstrating consistency, and showing reliability can help reshape someone’s perception of you. However, it often takes significantly longer to correct a bad first impression than to make a good one.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to hold onto negative first impressions than positive ones, requiring multiple positive interactions to override an initial unfavorable judgment.

So, Are We Too Quick to Judge?

The 7-second rule highlights just how quickly and unconsciously we form opinions about others. While this instinct is rooted in survival, it can also lead to unfair biases and missed opportunities. Being aware of our cognitive shortcuts can help us pause, reflect, and give people the benefit of the doubt before making lasting judgments.

So, next time you meet someone new, take a moment—because 7 seconds might not be enough to truly know them.

Reference List:

Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent messages: Implicit communication of emotions and attitudes. [online] Available at: https://e-edu.nbu.bg/pluginfile.php/855150/mod_resource/content/1/Albert-Mehrabian%20-%20Silent%20Messages%201971%20-%20red.size.pdf 

Olivola, C. Y., & Todorov, A. (2010). Elected in 100 milliseconds: First impressions of competence predict election outcomes. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 34(2), 83-110. [online] Available at: https://collaborate.princeton.edu/en/publications/elected-in-100-milliseconds-appearance-based-trait-inferences-and 

Rule, N. O., & Ambady, N. (2008). First impressions based on facial appearance. Cognitive Science, 32(1), 51-64. [online] Available at:  https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/96933568.pdf 

Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592-598. [online] Available at:  https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-08846-008