Mere-exposure effect
What is the mere-exposure effect?
The mere-exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon in which people tend to develop preferences for things they see or experience more often simply because they become familiar with them. This can relate to people, objects, sounds, or even ideas.
How does the mere-exposure effect work?
The effect occurs because repeated exposure to a stimulus generates a sense of familiarity, which is often associated with positive feelings. Even without conscious attention to the stimulus, repetition can cause us to view it as more attractive or trustworthy.
The difference with the illusory truth effect
The mere-exposure effect and the illusory truth effect are both forms of cognitive bias that relate or the power of repetition. But there is an important difference. In the mere-exposure effect, a person's preference for something is affected by repetition, while the illusory truth effect affects the perception of truth through repetition.
An example of the mere-exposure effect
A common example of the mere-exposure effect is in the advertising industry. Consumers are repeatedly exposed to a brand name or logo, developing a positive association even if they have never used the product. This can influence their choice when they later have to make a purchase decision, favoring the brand they have seen most often.
