The Psychological Phenomenon “More Exposure Effect “

Has it ever happened that you started liking the song you used to hate because you had to listen to it repeatedly? Have you ever noticed that the more time you spend with a person, the more enjoyable they become? This is what Mere Exposure Effect is all about, which is very relevant today in the study of human preferences.

This effect, also known as the recognition principle, explains why the response becomes more positive by repeatedly exposing us to a new stimulus.

In short, it reflects our belonging to situations, people or objects that are familiar to us. However, what factors influence this phenomenon? Keep reading to find out more about how it works.

More Exposure Effect in Research

Robert Zajonc is one of the authors who studied this psychological effect. Since his first study in 1976, he proved the presence of this preference in the face of stimuli of a diverse nature.

Words, sounds, photographs of faces … In all cases, the subjects seem to favor those who are best known to them.

Researchers conducted a study to test the effect of this effect on preference for certain foods. For this, they gave a group of students several types of tropical juice they did not know before. Some tried them 5 times, others 10 and others 15. When asked which ones they liked best, there was a clear tendency for those who drank them the most to be more positive.

Other researchers achieved the same results in research on interpersonal attraction. The more often you see a person, the more sympathy you will have with them, and the more you will enjoy the presence.

An unconscious phenomenon

One of the most interesting aspects of this effect, however, is that it is not necessary for the person to perceive recognition in the stimulus. In addition, the effect appears to be improved under subliminal conditions.

Zajonc conducted a survey in which he showed different pictures of Chinese letters to the participants. The exposure time for each symbol was so short that observers could not figure out what they saw.

The researchers told the subjects that the letters represented adjectives and asked them to assess whether they had positive or negative associations. Without exception, the participants in the test group scored the symbols they had already seen higher.

Obviously, brands take into account the effect of pure exposure in their advertising campaigns. Knowledge of a logo, slogan or image of a company can make you choose the product in question.

This mental way of working will explain why you are more tempted to go to the shops you already know when traveling to new cities… despite the desire to explore the local market.

What Causes More Exposure Effect ?

Fechner was the author of the first known study of this phenomenon. This German psychologist, the father of certain current psychophysical theories, offers an explanation for this effect. People tend to react with fear or anxiety to new elements.

However, this “news phobia” fades when you repeatedly expose yourself to it and it no longer provides new stimuli. This natural tendency to be suspicious of the unknown even becomes a pleasant feeling of recognition when you have more contact with such an element.

You must also keep in mind that you may get bored if repeated exposure to the stimulus becomes excessive. Feeling full is a condition that limits the effect of this effect. If you eat the same thing every day, you will end up hating it. And if you watch the same movie every day, it will lose its charm.

Therefore, this principle of recognition is the basis of many of your preferences, even if you are not aware of it. Regardless of whether you have a greater or lesser desire for adventure and risk, several of the decisions you make daily are conveyed by this effect.

The products you buy, the places you often visit, and the people you like can all be influenced by this principle. Therefore, it is convenient to be aware of the influence it has on your mind.