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What is the mere-exposure effect?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The mere-exposure effect is the tendency to like things more simply because we've seen them before. Familiarity breeds liking — which is why repeated ads, songs, or faces tend to grow on us over time, even without us realizing why.

Key things to understand

  1. We tend to prefer things just because they're familiar.
  2. Repeated exposure increases liking.
  3. It works even without conscious awareness.
  4. It's heavily used in advertising and branding.

People also ask

What is the mere-exposure effect?
The tendency to like something more the more often we're exposed to it.
How is the mere-exposure effect used in marketing?
Repeating ads and brand logos makes people feel familiar with — and more favorable toward — a product.
Does the mere-exposure effect always work?
Mostly, but overexposure or a strongly negative first impression can reduce or reverse it.