BRIAN & RUTH
Bias #8 · Halo effect
Why do we trust good-looking people?
One good trait makes us assume other good traits.
What happened to Brian
“Look at her photo! She is so kind and smart. Swiping right, booking dinner!”
The study
In 1977, Nisbett and Wilson showed students a cold teacher. They rated his looks and accent worse too.
THE MOVEAsk questions, watch the waiter
No. Ask questions and watch how she treats the waiter.
And with AI?
With AI filters brightening every photo, is the halo harder to see through? Are we prepared for a full AI life? Tell us in the comments on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.
Source: Nisbett, R. E., & Wilson, T. D. (1977). The halo effect: Evidence for unconscious alteration of judgments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(4), 250-256. Read the study