The Power of the Mere Exposure Effect and the Extensibility of Note-Making

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 28, 2023

4 min read

0

The Power of the Mere Exposure Effect and the Extensibility of Note-Making

In the realm of psychology, there is a fascinating phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect. This effect suggests that our preferences tend to lean towards things that we have been exposed to before, even if we are not consciously aware of it. It was social psychologist Robert Zajonc who first published a paper on this effect in 1968, highlighting that the act of exposure alone is enough to make us develop a liking towards something, without the need for any positive reinforcement or reward.

What makes the mere exposure effect even more intriguing is that it is not limited to humans alone. Studies have shown that this effect can be observed in both human research participants and non-human animals. Even when participants were subliminally shown a set of images, their preferences and moods were affected by this exposure. However, it is important to note that the mere exposure effect does not occur for things we initially dislike. It seems that there is a threshold where repeated exposure can eventually lead to a decrease in liking for something, suggesting that there is a limit to this effect.

So, why does the mere exposure effect occur? One possible explanation lies in the concept of uncertainty reduction. As humans, we are naturally cautious around new things because they may pose a threat to us. However, when we are repeatedly exposed to the same thing and nothing bad happens, we start to reduce our uncertainty and realize that there is nothing to fear. This gradual reduction in uncertainty can lead to a preference for the familiar.

Another factor that contributes to the mere exposure effect is perceptual fluency. When we have seen something before, it becomes easier for us to understand and interpret it. Our brains are wired to prefer things that are already familiar to us because they require less cognitive effort. This preference for the familiar may explain why we tend to gravitate towards things that we have been exposed to multiple times.

Now, let's shift our focus to the world of note-making and the power of extensibility. The co-founder of Obsidian, a note-taking app, highlights how the extensibility of code editors inspired their approach to note-making. Just like how we can customize various aspects of a code editor, they wanted to provide users with the ability to customize their notes. This idea led to the development of a plugin system within Obsidian, allowing users to personalize their note-taking experience.

Through the private beta of Obsidian conducted via Discord, the team was able to gather direct feedback from users and build a thriving community. However, as the community grew larger, they realized that Discord was not the most effective platform for organizing discussions and keeping track of topics. This is where the power of a forum came into play. By integrating a forum into Obsidian, users were able to engage in meaningful discussions and easily navigate through past conversations.

Obsidian, being described as the IDE for thought, offers users a functional and extensible front-end for their notes. It allows individuals to have complete control over their note-taking experience, enabling customization and personalization to suit their needs. This approach aligns with the idea of composability seen in code, where users have the freedom to choose which features they want to utilize and even turn off those they don't need.

Combining the insights from the mere exposure effect and the power of extensibility in note-making, we can draw three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Embrace familiarity: When presenting ideas or products to others, consider the power of repeated exposure. By exposing individuals to your ideas or products multiple times, you can increase the likelihood of them developing a liking towards them.
  • 2. Reduce uncertainty: If you want people to embrace something new, focus on reducing their uncertainty. Provide them with information and experiences that help them realize there is nothing to fear. Gradually exposing individuals to new concepts or products without any negative consequences can help build trust and preference.
  • 3. Empower customization: Just as the extensibility of code editors has revolutionized the programming world, consider providing users with the ability to customize their experiences. Allow them to tailor your product or service to their preferences and needs, creating a sense of ownership and personalization.

In conclusion, the mere exposure effect and the power of extensibility in note-making offer valuable insights into human preferences and the importance of customization. By understanding these concepts, we can make informed decisions in various aspects of life, whether it's marketing, product development, or personal organization. Embracing the familiar, reducing uncertainty, and empowering customization can pave the way for success in many endeavors.

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