Decision-Making Biases
Mere exposure effect
Liking something more because it is familiar.
What Is Mere exposure effect?
Mere exposure effect is a thinking trap where liking something more because it is familiar.
How It Tricks You
It can make one option feel obvious before the tradeoffs have been checked.
Real-World Example
A song becomes likable after hearing it all week.
Seen Online As
- The fast interpretation is doing more work than the evidence.
- The claim feels obvious before the check question is asked.
- A shortcut is making the judgment feel more certain than it is.
What To Ask Instead
Do I prefer it, or have I just seen it often?
Related Thinking Traps
Common Situations
Quick FAQ
What is Mere exposure effect?
Liking something more because it is familiar.
What is an example of Mere exposure effect?
A song becomes likable after hearing it all week.
How do I spot Mere exposure effect?
Do I prefer it, or have I just seen it often?