What might be a purpose of the mere exposure effect from an evolutionary perspective?

To avoid unfamiliar and possibly dangerous stimuli.

Explanation:

The mere exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon by which we usually reveal an inclination for things simply because they are known to us. It refers to a situation in which a certain stimulus has been available to a subject’s perception, either consciously or subconsciously.

It was first proven by the Polish-born psychologist Robert Zajonc, who performed a seminal experiment in 1968.

manifest functions are the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern, while latent functions are those unrecognized and unintended consequences. to analyze the manifest functions of any social institution, we have to study its contribution to the continuation of a group, community, or society.