Who Do You Trust?: How Basic Intuitive Thinking Affects Implicit Biases

By: Shruti Gautam & Amulya Agrawal

Humans often judge whether they should approach another person based on one simple factor ― their face. The theory of dual thinking outlines the notion that we all have both intuitive and analytical processes. According to Dr. Ilevbare in 2018, intuitive thinking is “driven more by gut-feel and confidence derived from experience”. On the other hand, analytical thinking has more logical foundations. When we look at someone, in the first seconds we produce a judgement based off of our underlying intuitive habits. Regardless of one’s sex or race, we are inclined to buy into intuitive decisions. These forms of implicit judgements are often linked to the most basic facial attributes. While it may be thought by many that this is not the best way to make a judgement, the appearance of someone can say a lot.

According to research conducted by New York University in 2015, scientists found that humans judge by faces to understand the person’s intentions. Facial expressions can often determine the likeliness of being approached. A threatening facial expression has the ability to convey untrustworthiness and a “boring” lifestyle. The overall physical structure of one’s face can also determine the likeliness of being approached. Additionally, according to a study conducted by Princeton University in 2008, scientists found that higher cheekbones and duller eyebrows were features people preferred when it came to approaching someone. These were the types of people that they were more likely to trust.

Dr. Torodov, a frontline researcher, exemplifies in his book “Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions” how “making the eyes of animals horizontal makes them look more human”. Torodov talks about Charles Le Brun, an influential French artist of the 17th century, worked on the facial expressions of emotions and physiognomy. His drawings depicted how overturning eyebrows and slanting them gives humans a more bestial appearance. In converse, making animals’ eyes more horizontal almost humanizes their features.

We tested the basic theory with some MSA scholars and staff. Photos of models who were of the same race and sex, but had different cheekbone and eyebrow structure, were put side by side. Subjects were given 5 seconds to decide who they trust more. Although the study was not perfect (some people can process more than just those two facial features in the allotted time), it represented the theories presented in the extensive research that was looked into. We also exemplified the threshold of the trend by having pictures where the cheekbones were too prominent, as that also has a role with how trustworthy you deem someone. The project’s results generally followed the expected results, with the exception of some small variation.

Trustworthiness is objectively subjective. It is impossible to quantify, but basic information on different forms on biases can make one less susceptible to falling for them. Everyone should understand their biases, inherent or developed, to better navigate society.