The mere-exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. This effect operates on the principle that repeated exposure to a stimulus increases an individual's liking of it. Various experiments have shown this effect in different contexts, including interpersonal attraction, where individuals tend to find people more likable the more frequently they see them.
In the 1960s, psychologist Robert Zajonc conducted experiments demonstrating that participants rated stimuli they were frequently exposed to, such as words and images, more positively compared to stimuli they were not familiar with. This indicated that mere familiarity can enhance preferences.
To counteract the mere-exposure effect, consciously seek out new experiences and challenge your comfort zone by actively evaluating unfamiliar stimuli without bias.