Why We Make Snap Judgments & What to Do About It
Human beings make snap judgments all the time.
It’s an instinctive part of how we process the world.
For example, when I see someone with a tattoo, I think, That’s actually pretty cool.
But if I see someone with an entire tattoo sleeve, my perception shifts.
I might think, Whoa, this guy is pretty intense.
While this judgment doesn’t necessarily mean I dislike the person, it does influence my thoughts, especially in professional settings.
I think, This is someone I’d hang out with, but not someone I’d hire.
There’s no logical reasoning behind this thought process.
It’s purely a snap judgment.
And I’m not the only one who does this…
Everyone makes instant assessments of people and situations.
This doesn’t make us bad; it’s simply a fact of being human.
Reasons We Make Snap Judgments
- Using the Past to Inform the Present
One of the main reasons we make snap judgments is because we use past experiences to shape our expectations.
Imagine if you were robbed twice, and both times the robber happened to be Spanish.
Over time, your brain might develop a pattern recognition system that causes you to feel uneasy whenever you see a Spanish person approaching at night.
Logically, you understand that each individual is different.
But emotionally, fear influences your perception, making you react in a way that isn’t rational.
This is how our past informs our present judgment.
- Influence of the Media
Another powerful force behind snap judgments is the media.
Whether the information presented is true or false, constant exposure shapes our perceptions.
For example, I’ve never been to Australia.
However, based on media portrayals, I automatically associate the country with snakes and kangaroos.
This is a snap judgment I’ve formed because I lack direct experience and rely on external sources to fill in the gaps.
- Fear and Self-Protection
Fear is another major driver of snap judgments.
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in the past, you may form biases as a defense mechanism.
For example, if you recently had a bad experience in a relationship, you might begin making quick judgments about people based on small details that remind you of your past pain.
This is a way your brain tries to protect you from future harm, even if it sometimes leads to unfair or inaccurate assumptions.
What to Do About Snap Judgments
- Learn More
The best way to reduce snap judgments is to educate yourself.
When we make judgments, we are often being emotional.
To counteract that, we need to strengthen our logical thinking.
If you lack knowledge about a particular topic, you tend to think in black-and-white terms.
But the more you learn, the more you begin to see the nuances and complexities of situations, making you less likely to rely on quick assumptions.
- Gain More Experience
Experience is another way to challenge and refine your judgments.
Using the Australia example, if I were to actually visit the country, I might realize that it’s not just about snakes and kangaroos.
Direct experience gives us a more accurate perspective, reducing reliance on media-driven assumptions.
- Expand Your Social Circle
Surrounding yourself with a diverse group of people can also help reduce biased judgments.
When you interact with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles, you gain firsthand experience that challenges preconceived notions.
This makes you more open-minded and less likely to judge based on stereotypes.
Not All Snap Judgments Are Bad
While it’s important to be aware of our biases, not all snap judgments need to be eliminated.
Some exist for a reason…
They serve as defense mechanisms.
If we blindly trust everyone we meet, we could put ourselves in danger.
The key is to identify which judgments are helpful and which ones are holding us back.
For instance, I have personal biases against people obsessed with cars and motorcycles.
I find it odd when someone risks their safety on a motorcycle when they could easily drive a car.
Do I plan to change this judgment?
Absolutely not.
It doesn’t negatively impact my life, so I have no reason to challenge it.
Prioritizing Which Judgments to Change
Since we can’t completely eliminate all biases, we should prioritize which ones to address.
The most harmful biases….those that limit opportunities, fuel discrimination, or cause unnecessary fear…should be the first to go.
But smaller, harmless biases may not be worth the effort to change.
By understanding why we make snap judgments and consciously deciding which ones to keep or discard, we can navigate the world with more awareness and fairness.
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