What does the mere exposure effect describe?

The mere exposure effect describes the phenomenon where individuals tend to develop a preference for stimuli they have encountered repeatedly, even if these stimuli are novel or unfamiliar at first. This effect suggests that familiarity can enhance liking; the more we are exposed to something, the more we tend to like it.

In social psychology, this principle reflects how our attitudes can be shaped by repeated exposure to people, objects, or ideas, leading to the conclusion that familiarity breeds preference. Research has shown that repeated exposure can increase positive feelings toward a stimulus, making it appear more appealing simply because we have seen it before.

While the other options touch on different aspects of familiarity and novelty, they do not encapsulate the essence of the mere exposure effect as effectively as the idea of increased liking following repeated encounters with a stimulus.