Which phenomenon predicts that individuals prefer those they spend more time with?

The phenomenon that indicates individuals tend to prefer those they spend more time with is the mere exposure effect. This psychological principle suggests that people develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. When individuals repeatedly encounter someone or something, their positive feelings toward that person or object increase over time, often leading to increased likability.

The mere exposure effect highlights the importance of frequency and duration of exposure in shaping our preferences and attitudes. This psychological tendency explains why friends often become closer as they spend more time together, as well as why brands may increase consumer loyalty through repeated advertising.

Other theories that might seem similar, such as attachment theory or the familiarity principle, deal with different aspects of interpersonal relationships or emotional bonds, while social proximity theory focuses more on the impact of physical closeness or frequent interactions in social settings. However, the mere exposure effect specifically captures the idea of increasing preference through time spent together, making it the most accurate choice.