Image Courtesy: Screengrab taken from YouTube video uploaded by Coca-Cola Middle East
"It takes just seven seconds to build a prejudice based on someone's appearance," says an ad film for a beverage company.
To test if this is in fact true, their team invited six strangers to share an Iftar feast. The experiment had a little twist.
All the invitees had to first talk about themselves in complete darkness, as the other guests shared the assumptions they had made based on what they heard. The darkness ensured that no one could see the other during the entire activity.
"I play heavy metal," says one gentleman. His counterparts promptly began sharing their idea of what he looks like. "He's got long hair, but at work he ties it in a ponytail," imagines one. "Probably piercings," adds another.
As the screen goes even darker for a few seconds, you hear the voice of another guest. "I read a lot of books; I've read cognitive psychology, behavioral science," he says about himself. "I've spoken at TED talks."
This time too, fellow guests begin to describe him based on their perception. "You look nerdy. You think you're cool, but you're still a nerd," quips one gentleman.
When it's finally time for the big reveal, surprise! The sharers of the feast certainly didn't expect to see what the light illuminated.
We'll keep the secret and let you watch the video yourself, though. Just keep in mind, appearances can be deceiving.