Why first impressions are so important, and how to put your best “face” forward every time! You may have heard that you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and that’s true! But, what you may not realize is that this first impression isn’t always the first time you meet someone face to face or the first time you interact with a person via instant message or even a phone call. Especially in the world of online dating, your first impression is your profile photo. From the time a potential match sees your photo for the first time, they have an impression of you.
Are you putting your best “face” forward?
The good news is that unlike meeting someone for the first time in person, where there many uncontrollable factors that might create a not so ideal first impression, you have full control of your profile photo and have the ability to make a perfect first impression each and every time a potential match comes your way.
What factors play a role in forming a first impression? According to an article by Psychology Today, facial shape, vocal inflections, attractiveness (including clothing style, posture, etc.), and general emotional state are the top four factors that help you paint a picture of someone.
While we can’t hear vocal inflections in a photo, we can see facial shape and overall attractiveness, and we can experience a general emotional state. That’s three out of the four factors.
First impressions are formulated within just seven seconds, and it can be extremely difficult to change our opinion of someone after this impression is created.
How long do you spend glancing at a profile photo and browsing through a profile of a potential match? Depending on how your first few seconds go, it could be just 10 seconds or perhaps longer if they made a really great first impression. And then, what happens next is typically shooting them a message or giving them a call! The rest could even be history.
How do you choose the best photo for your profile? By letting others help you!
Dr. David White, lead author of a study published in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications says, “Previous work has shown that people make inferences about an individual’s character and personality within a split second of seeing a photograph of their face, so our results have clear practical implications; if you want to put your best face forward, it makes sense to ask someone else to choose your picture.”
Another study, completed at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia found that “the images people had selected for themselves made a less favorable impression than images selected by others.”
Surprising findings or not, second opinions matter, especially when they come from someone outside of your close group of friends and family.
So, ask the professionals at Love Brokers, that’s why we’re here! We will even take a photo for you and offer guidance and suggestions on your wardrobe and grooming styles so you know you’re on track to creating the perfect first impression.