[ThinkBetter](https://thinkbetter.app/) → [Cognitive Biases](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases.md) → The Ben Franklin Effect

# The Ben Franklin Effect

Someone who does a favor for another is more likely to do another favor for that person, even if they didn't particularly like them initially.

![The Ben Franklin Effect illustration](https://assets.thinkbetter.app/images/the_ben_franklin_effect.png)

Imagine you don't have a strong liking for someone, but they ask you for a small favor and you agree to help. According to the Ben Franklin Effect, after doing the favor, you're likely to feel more positively about that person, even if they didn't reciprocate in any way. This mental model is based on cognitive dissonance — our brains find it hard to hold conflicting beliefs, so when we perform a kind act for someone we don't necessarily like, our brain nudges us to adjust our feelings about them to align with our actions… and we end up liking that person more — and being more likely to help them again.

## Example

**Lending a Book**

A colleague you're indifferent to asks to borrow a book. After you lend it, you find yourself warming up to them, even if they haven't returned the favor. Why? Your kind action creates a cognitive dissonance that your brain resolves by adjusting your feelings towards them.

## In your professional life

**Networking and relationship building**

Ask colleagues or industry peers for small, easy-to-fulfill favors. This could be as simple as requesting advice on a minor issue or borrowing a book. The act of doing you a favor may lead them to subconsciously view you more positively, potentially opening doors for future collaboration or support.

## Go deeper in ThinkBetter

The ThinkBetter app has the full The Ben Franklin Effect deep-dive: more examples, a quiz to test yourself, audio narration, and a weekly path that builds these ideas into a habit.

- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6459831884
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.ventureship.braintricks

### Related concepts

- [In-Group Bias](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/in-group-bias.md)
- [Cognitive Dissonance](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/cognitive-dissonance.md)
- [Confirmation Bias](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/confirmation-bias.md)
- [All mental models](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models.md)

Page: https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/ben-franklin-effect