Why does habitual exposure affect perception of reality over time?

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Why does habitual exposure affect perception of reality over time?

Asked on Jan 12, 2026

Answer

Habitual exposure to social media can subtly shift our perception of reality by consistently presenting curated content that aligns with specific interests or beliefs. This can lead to a skewed understanding of the world, as algorithms prioritize content that keeps us engaged, often reinforcing existing viewpoints.

Social platforms use algorithms to show content that matches user preferences, creating a personalized feed.
Repeated exposure to similar content can reinforce specific beliefs or perceptions, making them seem more prevalent or accurate than they might be.
Being aware of this can help users critically evaluate the information they consume and seek diverse perspectives.

Additional Comment:

Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often leading to echo chambers.
Users can counteract this by actively seeking out varied content and viewpoints.
Understanding the influence of algorithms can empower users to make more informed decisions about their media consumption.

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Ask any question about Social Media Psychology here... and get an instant response.

Why does habitual exposure affect perception of reality over time?

Asked on Jan 12, 2026

Answer

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