The Halo Effect. How first impressions shape our judgments
Introduction
Generalising from one positive trait to an overall positive judgments, aka “Halo Effect”. Is a powerful bias that can significantly impact our decision-making
How the halo effect works
The halo effect works by tapping into our cognitive biases. Biases are mental shortcuts that we use to process information quickly and efficiently. However, as we discussed in other cases, these shortcuts can also lead us to make errors in judgment.
One of the most common cognitive biases that the halo effect exploits is confirmation bias. Which is our tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and to ignore information that contradicts them. This means that we are more likely to notice and remember positive information about people who we already have a positive impression of.
Another cognitive bias that the halo effect exploits is, and this is a fairly complicated wording, availability heuristic. Availability heuristic is our tendency to make judgments based on the information that is most readily available to us. This means that we are more likely to judge people based on their first impressions or on the most recent information we have about them. (We will talk about this more extensively in another article)
Real-life examples of the halo effect
Here are a few real-life examples of the halo effect:
Job interviews: Employers are more likely to hire job candidates who they find attractive or who have similar interests to them.
Sales: Salespeople are more likely to sell products to customers who they like and trust.
Relationships: We are more likely to forgive our partners for their mistakes if we find them attractive or if they have other positive qualities.
Academia: Teachers are more likely to give higher grades to students who are well-behaved and who participate in class.
The impact of the halo effect
The halo effect can have a significant impact on our decision-making. It can lead us to make irrational choices: hiring the wrong person for a job, staying in an unhealthy relationship. It can also make us more susceptible to scams and other forms of fraud. As we tend to also trust to people with whom we could relate more.
How to overcome the halo effect
A few things you can do to overcome the halo effect:
Be aware of your biases: The first step (as per every bias) to overcoming the halo effect is to be aware of it. Once you are aware of your biases, you can start to question your judgments and to seek out information that contradicts them.
Consider the whole picture: When making a decision about someone, try to consider the whole picture. Don’t just focus on their positive qualities. Consider their negative qualities as well.
Get multiple perspectives: If you are struggling to make a decision, talk to other people and get their perspectives. This can help you to see the situation from a different perspective and to make a more informed judgment.
Take your time: Don’t rush into making a decision. Take your time to gather information and to consider all of your options.
Be open to changing your mind: If you change your mind about a decision, don’t be afraid to reverse course. It is better to make a different decision than to stick with a bad decision.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that everyone is susceptible to the halo effect. It is a natural human tendency to judge people based on their first impressions and on the information that is most readily available to us.
However, isn’t self reflection an art that needs to be mastered? And like for any other form of art, it does take time and effort