Definition
The tendency to express undue liking for things merely because of familiarity with them.
Classification reasoning
Experience with technologies results in familiarity with them. The case of mere exposure effect occurs when a person has just heard or read about certain technologies being useful without having used it rigorously.
Example
Selection between AWS and Google Cloud for hosting a web application: AWS and Google Cloud are both good solutions for hosting a web application. In comparison to Google Cloud, AWS has been around for a longer period with more people are familiar with it. Given a scenario where a new web application is to be hosted. A person who has heard or read about Google Cloud would prefer to use it instead of AWS merely from exposure to such information.
Impact
AWS and Google could have their own set of advantages and weaknesses. Making a decision without proper experience or feedback from experienced people and from mere exposure to information does not guarantee success.
Debiasing techniques
Making a list of advantages and disadvantages of alternatives is always helpful to compare. Inputs from people who have prior experience is always an advantage as they possess firsthand information from having used it.
Related biases
- Habit
- Law of instrument