The Truth That the "Mere Exposure Effect" Is Not So Simple [Applied Psychology]

The "mere exposure effect" proposed by Zajonc is so famous that it appears at the top of the results when you type "mere ex" into a certain search tool. It is briefly described as "repeated exposure increases favorability", but the problem is that this is not a simple issue.

It is a term often encountered in romantic advice and pseudo-psychology, but it is a mechanism that can lead to failure if you try to use it without understanding it well. On the other hand, it is also true that all sorts of things, such as sales and commercials, are crawling with people using the mere exposure effect.

For example, it is known that the mere exposure effect can occur even with short periods of exposure at a level where one is barely conscious of it, and the possibilities of its cumulative effects and long-term persistence are also being examined. Since the introduction at the beginning briefly summarized the history since Zajonc, I have listed it as a reference.

　Now, I prefer practice over theory.
　I will list some points of caution based on my personal opinion.

<Points for the recipient>
■ If you feel something is wrong, try strongly thinking "I hate this" at the beginning: The mere exposure effect does not work well if you already have an aversion to the subject. The beginning is crucial.
■ Accept that it is just how things are: If you have already started to develop a liking for them, it is too late. Since it is something with a certain degree of credibility experimentally, accept the fact that your favorability will increase if the mere exposure effect is being used on you.
■ Doubt after accepting: By questioning the increased favorability, you will have a chance to correct it.

<Points when using it>
■ Simple exposure is enough: This is the most important point of this psychological effect.
■ Give up if the first impression was bad: It will be a negative every time you have contact. Just give up.
■ The effect accumulates day by day: It has been suggested that leaving some intervals might be more effective than having multiple contacts in a short period.
■ At most ten times: It is not limitless. It hits a ceiling. In fact, if you are too persistent, there is a possibility that "boredom" or negative effects will emerge. There are various theories, but generally, about ten times seems to be the upper limit of the "number of times you can expect the mere exposure effect."
■ Show various sides of the subject: The aforementioned paper also suggests this might be effective.
■ Do not expect too much: The world is not that easy.

　Since this has become long, I would like to wrap it up here.
　There may be suitability, so it is best to check for yourself. It might work, or it might not. It is exciting, isn't it?

　Thank you very much for staying with my clumsy writing until the end. I hope that, one way or another, the world will become a wonderful place overflowing with love.

#MereExposureEffect #WhatIsIt #SuspiciousPsychologicalEffect
#TriedMaking #PointsOfCautionEtc
#Essay #Psychology #AppliedPsychology