[ThinkBetter](https://thinkbetter.app/) → [Cognitive Biases](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases.md) → Mere Exposure Effect

# Mere Exposure Effect

We tend to develop a preference for things simply because we're familiar with them.

![Mere Exposure Effect illustration](https://assets.thinkbetter.app/images/mere_exposure_effect.png)

The Mere Exposure Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to like things more the more they're exposed to them. Essentially, it's like our brain saying, "I've seen this before, so it must be good!" We tend to feel more positively about things, people, or ideas that we encounter frequently, even if we don't actively engage with them. This effect works subconsciously, influencing our preferences without us realizing it. Think of it like suddenly enjoying a song you initially disliked, just because you've heard it playing everywhere!

## Example

**Brand Preference**

You consistently choose a particular cereal brand at the grocery store, not because you've compared it to others, but because you've seen it so often. Why? Repeated exposure to the brand through advertisements and store displays has created a sense of familiarity and preference.

## In your professional life

**Increase Visibility with Regular Updates**

Consistently share updates or insights about your work through various channels. This could be as simple as regularly posting on professional social media platforms, contributing to company newsletters, or speaking at team meetings. By increasing your visibility and familiarizing others with your ideas and contributions, you may unconsciously enhance their positive perception of you and your work, potentially leading to increased support for your initiatives or better career opportunities.

## Go deeper in ThinkBetter

The ThinkBetter app has the full Mere Exposure 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

- [Availability Cascade](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/availability-cascade.md)
- [Pygmalion Effect (Mental model)](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models/pygmalion-effect.md)
- [Halo Effect](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/halo-effect.md)
- [All mental models](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models.md)

Page: https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/mere-exposure-effect