How accurate are first impressions on a first date?

Forming an accurate impression of an individual on a first date is important because people often rely on these impressions in deciding whether to pursue a romantic relationship. While previous studies have shown that people can form accurate impressions of new acquaintances in platonic settings -- like casual conversations with new classmates -- the researchers wanted to find out if the same was true for higher-stakes situations like first dates.

To find answers, they invited 372 participants to partake in speed-dating events in Montreal in 2017 and 2018. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their personality and well-being. A close friend or family member also completed a questionnaire on the participant's personality. Participants then had a series of brief, three-minute first dates; after each interaction, they rated their date's personality.

On average, people did see their dates' personalities accurately, but some dates were easier to read than others. "Some people are open books whose distinctive personalities can be accurately perceived after a brief interaction, whereas others are harder to read," says co-author Lauren Gazzard Kerr, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology at McGill University under the supervision of Professor Lauren Human. "Strikingly, people who report higher well-being, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life tend to make the task easier," she says.

Why are some people easier to read?

The researchers note that one explanation could be that some individuals engage in more effective self-presentation. "Perhaps people that have greater well-being behave in ways that are more in line with their personality -- being more authentic or true to themselves," says Assistant Professor Lauren Human. In a previous study, the researchers also found evidence of this in platonic settings.

Alternatively, it may be that people who are perceived more accurately come to experience greater well-being -- not necessarily that greater well-being leads to being perceived more accurately. Both are plausible, according to Human.

As next steps, the researchers hope to explore why those who report greater well-being are seen more accurately on first dates. The researchers will also examine the consequences of accurate first impressions and how they influence romantic interest.

"Understanding why some people are able to be seen more accurately could help us determine strategies that other people could apply to enhance how accurately they are perceived," says Human.