What is the mere exposure effect's influence on attraction?

The mere exposure effect suggests that people tend to develop a preference for things simply because they are familiar with them. This psychological phenomenon occurs when repeated exposure to a stimulus, such as a person, object, or idea, leads to an increased liking or attraction to that stimulus. In social psychology, this is significant as it highlights how familiarity can influence our feelings towards others, potentially impacting relationships and social interactions.

When someone frequently encounters a particular person, they may come to appreciate various aspects of that individual, leading to a stronger attraction based on that familiarity. This effect is foundational in understanding how repeated interactions, whether in social situations or through media exposure, can shape our preferences and social bonds.

The options that suggest attraction is driven solely by novelty, decreases with exposure, or focuses strictly on physical attributes do not align with the core idea of the mere exposure effect, which emphasizes familiarity as a key contributor to attraction.